Gov. Braun leads Indiana workforce successes

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Under Governor Mike Braun, Indiana has seen major workforce gains, including low unemployment, record apprenticeship participation, declining unemployment insurance claims and strong employment outcomes for Hoosier veterans.

“Indiana continues to outperform the national average in key measures of workforce strength,” Gov. Braun said. “We’re bolstering our workforce, creating pathways to better-paying careers and helping more Hoosiers get to work. We have prioritized these goals because we know hardworking Hoosiers power our economy and make Indiana a cut above the rest.”

Indiana’s workforce highlights include:

Low unemployment: Indiana’s unemployment rate was 3.3% in August, compared with 4.1% nationally. Since December 2024, Indiana’s unemployment rate has decreased 17.5%.
Fewer UI claims: Weekly unemployment insurance claims have declined 37.4% since December 2024.
More Hoosiers looking to work: The number of Hoosiers looking to reenter the labor force has increased 28.4% since December 2024.
Strong outcomes for veterans: Indiana’s veteran unemployment rate was 1.7% in 2025, compared with 3.5% nationally.
Record apprenticeship participation: This federal fiscal year, 27,441 apprentices have participated in registered apprenticeship programs located in Indiana, an all-time high.
New workforce investments: DWD secured $9.1 million in federal grants this year to expand registered apprenticeships and connect formerly incarcerated Hoosiers with employment, training and apprenticeship opportunities.

Gov. Braun will continue building on Indiana’s workforce progress by expanding pathways to higher wages and meaningful careers while connecting employers with the skilled workers they need to grow.