The number of first-time jobless claims remains high, but there was a bit of movement last week. New unemployment claims for the week ending February 6 totaled 793,000, according to the Department of Labor. Dow Jones economists had forecast the figure at 760,000. However, the new claims number is less than the previous week’s number of 812,000.

WorkingNation is always looking at stories addressing how different parts of the country are trying to get unemployed people back into the workforce.

Here is some of what we found this week:

From Alabama: Alabama Newscenter reports a jobs program in Montgomery will use virtual reality to train workers for transformer manufacturing.

From Iowa: The Gazette reports the University of Iowa is using an $8M grant to bring high-tech simulation health care training to rural areas.

From Minnesota: The Bemidji Pioneer reports the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is doing a feasibility study for a new construction jobs program.

From Montana: KULR reports the Montana Contractors Association Education Foundation is launching a workforce development initiative with high schools in Billings.

From New Jersey: New Jersey Business reports a $3M investment will be used to prepare workers for jobs in the growing offshore wind industry.

From North Dakota: KFYR reports Bismarck State College has started training program to meet the high demand for truck drivers.

From Pennsylvania: Tribune-Review reports a free training program in Pittsburgh will teach people tech skills.

From Vermont: VermontBiz reports Norwich University has been selected to lead the Department of Defense Cyber Institute program – as part of a consortium of six schools.

February 8: Back to Work: Opportunities in cybersecurity, manufacturing, and transportation
January 25: Back to Work: Opportunities in health care and medical science
January 11: Back to Work: Hiring and training across the country, including in the manufacturing sector
December 28: Back to Work: New jobs programs designed to help members of the military
December 21: Back to Work: Initiatives boost employment in construction, health care, alternative energy
December 14: Back to Work: The path from LPN to registered nurse
December 7: Back to Work: Opportunities include trainings, apprenticeships, and work-based learning

We’ll keep looking, so check back for more stories from around the country.