In a significant move to bolster workforce development in North Carolina, the state’s Department of Commerce has allocated $660,000 in grants to 13 regional workforce development boards. These grants aim to enhance partnerships between local businesses and workforce services, fostering more employment opportunities across the state.
“As America’s top-ranked state for workforce development, North Carolina is partnering with employers to build opportunity for our people,” said Governor Josh Stein. The governor underscored that this initiative is designed to support local workforce partners in serving businesses and creating jobs for the state’s talented workforce.
The funds will be used by workforce boards for innovative projects that strengthen connections with businesses, focusing on work-based learning initiatives such as apprenticeships. This aligns with the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships’ goal to engage 50,000 employers in developing North Carolina’s talent pipeline. The “First in Opportunity” strategic plan aims to expand work-based learning and promote employer engagement across industries statewide. For more details, visit the state’s strategic economic development plan.
“Workforce development and economic development go hand in hand,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. He noted that the grants would strengthen the capability of NCWorks partners to deliver skilled talent to innovative companies.
Local Workforce Boards Receiving Grants
Thirteen local workforce development boards will receive grants. The full list includes:
| Workforce Development Board(s) | Counties Served | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Fear WDB | Brunswick, Columbus, New Hanover, Pender | $50,000 |
| Capital Area WDB | Chatham, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Wake | $50,000 |
| Charlotte Works and Centralina WDB (regional partnership) | Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union | $125,000 |
| Eastern Carolina WDB | Carteret, Craven, Duplin, Greene, Jones, Lenoir, Onslow, Pamlico, Wayne | $50,000 |
| Foothills WDB | Cleveland, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford | |
| Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey | ||
| Kerr-Tar WDB | Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, Warren | $50,000 |
| Mid-Carolina WDB | Cumberland, Harnett, Montgomery, Moore, Sampson | $50,000 |
| Northeastern WDB | Camden, Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, Washington | $50,000 |
| Piedmont Triad Regional WDB | Alamance, Caswell, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Randolph, Rockingham, Stokes, Surry, Yadkin | $50,000 |
| Rivers East WDB | Beaufort, Bertie, Hertford, Martin, Pitt | $50,000 |
| Turning Point WDB | Edgecombe, Halifax, Nash, Northampton, Wilson | $35,000 |
Engagement Opportunities for Employers
Employers interested in partnering with these programs are encouraged to submit an interest form at commerce.nc.gov/employers. This process helps state and local partners understand business needs and challenges, enabling them to offer tailored employment and training services. Additionally, employers can reach out to local Workforce Development Boards or NCWorks Career Centers via NCWorks.gov.
This initiative is funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I, with support from the U.S. Department of Labor, totaling $62,285,759 awarded to North Carolina.
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