(The Center Square) — Georgia’s unemployment rate remained at 3.4% in November, unchanged for the third month and below the national average.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national unemployment rate in November stood at 3.7%.

“This holiday season, the greatest gift we can give Georgians is a future filled with opportunity,” Georgia Labor Commissioner Bruce Thompson said in an announcement. “With record-high job numbers, a thriving economy that stands among the nation’s best, and a workforce eager to embrace new opportunities, Georgia is poised to enter the new year with hope and boundless possibilities for all.”

Georgia officials also said the state’s labor force increased by 11,263 to an all-time high of more than 5.3 million. The labor force participation remained at 61.6%, an increase from 61% since the beginning of the year.

While the rate is higher than it was amid the COVID-19 pandemic, it has steadily decreased over the past 15 years and remains below November’s national labor participation rate of 62.8%.

Workforce development and expanding the state’s labor force have been a hot topic in Georgia, and state lawmakers have established study committees to tackle the workforce shortage.

Earlier this month, the Technical College System of Georgia’s board approved a more than $3 million grant to launch a new college and career academy in Walker County. The Walker Launch project stems from a Walker County Schools-Georgia Northwestern Technical College partnership and will serve students in Walker and Dade counties.

“This new Georgia College & Career Academy symbolizes our unwavering dedication to providing our students with exceptional learning experiences that blend academic excellence with real-world skills,” TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier said in an announcement. “Our focus remains steadfast on equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities to thrive in a competitive global economy.”