#GeorgiaJobs | AM 1180 Radio

February 22, 2026

Georgia Unemployment Claims Fall Sharply in Latest Report

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New filings for unemployment benefits in Georgia dropped last week compared with the week prior, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Initial jobless claims in Georgia — often used as a snapshot of layoffs — fell to 4,070 for the week ending February 14, down from 5,350 the previous week.

Nationally, initial unemployment claims also moved lower. The U.S. total dropped to 206,000 last week on a seasonally adjusted basis, down 23,000 from 229,000 the week before.

Among the states, Iowa saw the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, with claims rising 15.4%. Virginia recorded the largest percentage drop, with new claims falling 42.5%.

February 19, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Department of Labor Earns Top State HR Honor

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The Georgia Department of Labor has received the “Model Agency Award” for Excellence in Human Resources from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, after earning the highest assessment score among all Tier 1 agencies at 97.6 percent.

February 18, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Pilgrim’s Pride Plant in Walker County Set to Break Ground This Fall in $400 Million Project

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Construction on Pilgrim’s Pride’s new prepared foods plant in Walker County is expected to begin this fall, a major step forward in a $400 million development local and state leaders say could reshape the area’s economy and bring hundreds of jobs to Northwest Georgia.

February 15, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia Jobless Claims Rise Last Week as U.S. Total Declines

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Initial unemployment filings in Georgia increased last week compared with the week before, according to new figures released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The state recorded 5,133 new jobless claims for the week ending February 7, up from 4,681 the prior week — a gain of 452 claims. Nationwide, initial unemployment claims fell to 227,000, down 5,000 from 232,000 the week before on a seasonally adjusted basis, signaling a modest improvement at the national level even as Georgia ticked upward.

Other states saw sharper swings. Virginia posted the largest percentage increase in weekly claims, rising 68.8%, while Missouri had the largest percentage drop, with new claims falling 43.5%.

February 10, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

GNTC, Georgia Power Partner to Launch Electrical Lineworker Program in Rockmart

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) has partnered with Georgia Power to offer a new Electrical Lineworker Program at the college’s Polk County Campus in Rockmart, providing hands-on training for those seeking entry-level careers in the power industry.

January 31, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga County Unemployment Drops to 4% as Northwest Georgia Labor Market Remains Strong

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Chattooga County’s unemployment rate fell to 4% in December, continuing a positive trend and reflecting improving labor conditions heading into the new year. According to data released by the Georgia Department of Labor, the county’s rate dropped from 4.7% in November and improved from over 5% in December 2024, signaling steady recovery and job growth locally.

January 30, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Northwest Georgia Unemployment Drops to 3.1 Percent as Workforce Reaches Record High

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The Georgia Department of Labor released new employment numbers Thursday showing continued improvement in Northwest Georgia’s job market. Georgia Labor Commissioner Bárbara Rivera Holmes said December saw more Georgians working and unemployment declining across every region of the state, adding that the focus in 2026 will remain on connecting workers to in-demand careers and helping businesses find the talent they need.

In Northwest Georgia, the unemployment rate fell eight-tenths of a percent over the month to 3.1 percent, down from 3.6 percent one year ago. The labor force increased by 885 over the month and by 3,180 over the year, reaching an all-time high of 459,957. Employment also reached a record high, rising by 4,207 over the month and 5,363 over the year to 445,548. Initial unemployment claims increased to 7,613, up 5,227 from the previous month and 568 higher than one year ago.

January 16, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chattooga Unemployment at 4.8% in November; Region Mixed as GDOL Releases Latest Numbers

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The Georgia Department of Labor has released new local unemployment numbers for November 2025, and Chattooga County’s unemployment rate came in at 4.8%.

January 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Northwestern Technical College Hiring Across Campuses: Multiple Positions Open in Floyd, Walker, and Whitfield-Murray

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Georgia Northwestern Technical College is looking for career-minded applicants ready to take the next step with one of the largest technical colleges in the state. With more than 600 employees across six campuses, GNTC says it’s seeking talented professionals who want more than a job — they want a long-term career serving students, local industries, and communities across Northwest Georgia.

January 15, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park Hiring: Openings in Maintenance and Resource Management

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The Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park is encouraging job seekers in Northwest Georgia and the Chattanooga area to explore multiple employment opportunities currently available in the park’s maintenance and resource management divisions. Applicants can view details and apply through USAJobs by visiting the park’s “Work With Us” page and selecting a specific position.