Though economists have been positive about economic growth in October, the unemployment rate did not decline. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday that the number of jobless workers climbed from 9.8 percent to 10.2 percent during the month of October.
Nearly 190,000 jobs were lost over the course of the month, putting the number of unemployed Americans at 16 million, the highest it has been since 1983, the Atlanta Business Journal reported.
About 5.6 million of the unemployed have been out of work for more than 26 weeks, which is the highest proportion in at least six decades, according to the news source.
For workers seeking new careers, it might be wise to seek out positions that are part of the Recovery Act. In December, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the Workforce Investment Act programs, a series of federally funded training and employment initiatives, received $3.95 billion.
The program provides grants to train workers in high growth or emerging sectors, like energy efficient technologies. Courses of study, such as automotive high performance school, could be a way to stay competitive in the automotive industry.
Those interested in a career in health care could undergo medical assistant training or attend health science school. 
