Initial jobless claims came in at 840,000 for the week ending October 3, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Economists had been expecting 825,000 new claims, according to a Dow Jones survey.

However, it was the lowest level of weekly claims since March when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a pandemic.

WorkingNation is always looking at stories addressing how different states are trying to get unemployed people back in the workforce.

From California: ABC30 Fresno reports a high-speed rail training program in Selma helps skill workers for local jobs.

From Georgia: Savannah Morning News reports students at Georgia Southern University can now get hands-on production training as a path to get into the state’s film industry.

From Kentucky: Spectrum News 1 reports a Lexington pharmaceutical company is expanding its operations leading to the creation of 78 new jobs.

From Michigan: The Oakland Press reports Michigan Works! Is offering free workshops to older workers on resume writing, interviewing, and social media.

From Mississippi: Picayune Item reports Pearl River Community College has received more than $2 million for workforce development efforts meaning locals may be able to get the cost of their non-credit training covered.

From South Dakota: Brookings Register reports the U.S. Department of Agriculture has granted funds to several educational institutions to address the need for tribal students to prepare for, transition to, and graduate from an institution of higher education.

From Virginia: NBC29 reports Piedmont Virginia Community College has received almost $2 million to expand its job training and wraparound services to residents in surrounding counties.

From Wisconsin: Business Facilities reports ND Packaging is creating up to 40 jobs at its newly-renovated manufacturing facility in Racine County.

#ICYMI: Check out our past posts programs in different states and territories:

October 5: Looking for a new job? These states have opportunities
September 30: Looking for a path to a new job?
September 14: 8 programs addressing the highest unemployment rates in the U.S.
August 31: Need a job? Here are 8 programs that might help
August 24: Seeking work? Here are 8 states trying to get you back on the job
August 17: Unemployed? Here is how 8 more states are trying to get you back to work
August 10: Looking for work? Here are 8 ways 8 states are trying to help

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