Although unemployment rates have dropped in five High Country counties over the last month, the percentage of unemployed residents in Ashe County is still hovering at around 10 percent.

According to statistics released by the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Ashe County has retained its double digit marking but that number too may change in the next 60 days. The NCESC reported on Monday that part of the reason for September’s decrease is due to the number of unemployed residents who have exhausted their Unemployment Insurance benefits. Within the last 60 days, 21 residents in Ashe have exhausted these benefits and another 32 people searching for work will also lose these benefits within the next two months.

Altogether, 156 High Country residents have exhausted their benefits in the last 60 days and an additional 248 citizens can expect to lose those same benefits within the next 60 days.

The House of Representatives did pass a bill on Sept. 23 that would provide an additional 13 weeks of benefits to workers in states that had unemployment rates, including North Carolina, but that piece of legislation has stalled on the Senate floor.

To exacerbate the situation, officials estimate that 250,000 unemployed people in North Carolina are not even eligible for these benefits and do not have any type of reserve income to pull them through during these difficult circumstances.

There may however be help for those who are looking to change gears and seek a new a career path. According to the High County Workforce Development Board, all community colleges in the state have rolled out the JobsNOW 12 in six programs that provide intensive training in career fields that are considered to be high-growth. Workforce Director Carole Coates explained that these courses can be completed in six months or less.

In a press release, Coates went on to explain that many of these programs concentrate on green jobs and health care. These are considered to be professions that have “long-term job potential.” With this training, students can be “work ready” within six months, Coates said.

Legislation that has come in the form of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has made it possible to pay for this training through the Workforce Investment Act, Coates said.

Training will also be available for the self-starters and entrepreneurs of the High Country. On Oct. 27, the Rural Center will begin offering Project GATE, Appalachian State’s Star Your Own Business workshop series in Wilkes County.

There are also a number of similar targeted workshops for entrepreneurs at various local community colleges. Check with WCC and other local colleges on the availability of these and other programs.

For more information visit www.recoveryinthehighcountry.com.