First-time jobless claims came in lower than expected for the week ending February 5, according to the Department of Labor. The released number is 223,000 versus the anticipated 230,000. This is being regarded as a sign of the lessening of Omicron’s impact on the U.S. workforce.

As people around the country seek ways to access new jobs and careers, WorkingNation is searching for those opportunities. This week, we share what we found in these five states.

From Alaska: My Edmond News reports a program out of Washington will train people to crew salmon fishing boats in Alaska.

From Maryland: The Baltimore Sun reports a Mount Vernon organization is providing people with histories of incarceration with various services including job training.

From Mississippi: WJTV reports the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society is offering scholarships for postsecondary education to people with Down syndrome.

From New Mexico: Farmington Daily Times reports a free training program is giving participants the skills they need to work as substitute teachers in the Aztec Municipal School District.

From Washington: Yakima Herald reports a rural online initiative is offering people the opportunity to earn in four weeks – what’s called – a Remote Worker Certificate, addressing skills like communication, workflow, and time management.

Did you miss our previous Back to Work stories from around the country? Catch up here.