New Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships Embarks on Mission to Enhance North Carolina’s Labor Market
Raleigh, N.C.— A new initiative aimed at bolstering North Carolina’s employment landscape took a significant step as Governor Josh Stein’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships convened for its inaugural meeting today in Raleigh. This assembly of key stakeholders—including state officials, educational leaders, and business representatives—seeks to formulate strategies that catalyze economic growth, ensure businesses have access to skilled labor, and provide career pathways for citizens.
“We want every North Carolinian to have the opportunity to build a good life with a good career and every business to have the skilled workers they need to grow,” stated Governor Josh Stein.
Functioning as an advisory entity within the NCWorks Commission, the Council is led by N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, state Senator Eddie Settle, and N.C. Community College System President Dr. Jeffrey Cox. Administrative support is provided by the Department of Commerce and the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE).
According to Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, “To make progress on both workforce development and economic development requires strong collaboration, and that’s what this Council represents.”
The Council comprises diverse members from public and private sectors, including government agencies, non-profits, and educational institutions. Their collective experience is anticipated to generate effective strategies tailored to the state’s unique workforce requirements.
“Strengthening our workforce is essential to North Carolina’s continued growth and prosperity,” highlighted Senator Eddie Settle. “This Council represents a vital opportunity to bring together voices from across the state to ensure that our workforce strategies align with the real needs of employers and communities alike.”
Established through Governor Stein’s Executive Order No. 11 in March, the Council aims to set quantifiable goals and propose actionable strategies to advance North Carolina’s workforce development over the next four years. Key focus areas will include credential and degree attainment, labor market alignment, apprenticeships, and work-based learning opportunities.
An initial report, due by June 15, will outline the Council’s objectives, followed by another report in December detailing strategies to achieve these goals. Special attention will be given to supporting rural communities, individuals involved with the justice system, people with disabilities, and veterans.
“North Carolina’s community colleges are deeply connected to local employers and students,” said Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the NC Community College System. “Through this Council, we can further align training with industry demand and open more doors for North Carolinians to enter rewarding careers with meaningful upward mobility.”
At their first meeting, Council members reviewed their roles, discussed North Carolina’s economic projections, and examined existing workforce and educational objectives.
Notable Members of the Council
- Andréa Allard, NC Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Director of Transition Services;
- Jennifer Allen, Senior Vice President, Triangle Market Executive, Bank of America;
- Representative Vernetta Alston, NC House of Representatives, District 29;
- Senator Val Applewhite, NC Senate, District 19;
- Mark Bolton, Vice President, Bolton Construction and Service of WNC, Inc.;
- Chad Bouffiou, Director, Facility Management Division, NC Department of Administration;
- JB Buxton, President, Durham Technical Community College;
- Sherry Carpenter, Chief Organizational Development and Mission Advancement Officer, Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC, Inc.;
- Brian Floyd, Chief Operating Officer, ECU Health;
- Cecilia Holden, CEO and President, MyFutureNC;
- Steve Mange, Deputy Secretary of Policy, NC Department of Adult Correction;
- Edsel McDonald, LiUNA Local 919 Business Manager, Laborers’ International Union of North America;
- Trey Michael, Senior Director, Office of Career and Technical Education, NC Department of Public Instruction;
- Anna Perkinson, Assistant General Counsel, Office of State Human Resources;
- Dr. Travis Reeves, Superintendent, Surry County Schools;
- Eric Shoults, Director, Labor Relations and Manufacturing Human Resources, Daimler Truck North America (DTNA);
- Tammy Simmons, Vice President of Marketing & Culture, Machine Specialties Inc.;
- Karen Wade, Policy Director, NC Department of Health and Human Services;
- Dr. Thomas Walker, Senior Advisor for University Workforce Policy, The University of North Carolina System;
- Wendy Walker-Fox, Workforce and Economic Development Director, Piedmont Triad Regional Council;
- Tom West, Vice President and General Counsel, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU);
- Representative Matthew Winslow, NC House of Representatives, District 7.
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