Old North News

Governor Josh Stein inaugurated the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships in Raleigh. This initiative aims to create strategies for strengthening North Carolina's workforce, ensuring economic growth, and providing jobseekers with quality career paths.

Governor Stein highlighted the goals: “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.” The Council will assist in enhancing pathways from education to employment across the state.

The Council, part of the NCWorks Commission, is co-chaired by N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, state Senator Eddie Settle, and N.C. Community College System President Dr. Jeffrey Cox. They aim to formulate recommendations that align with industry demands and provide opportunities for success.

Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley emphasized the importance of collaboration: “To make progress on both workforce development and economic development requires strong collaboration, and that’s what this Council represents.” The Council involves members from various sectors within North Carolina.

Senator Eddie Settle stressed the Council’s role in aligning strategies with employer and community needs: “Strengthening our workforce is essential to North Carolina’s continued growth and prosperity.”

Created by Executive Order No. 11 in March, the Council aims to propose quantifiable goals over the next four years. These will focus on credential and degree attainment, labor market alignment, apprenticeships, sector strategies, state employment, and Work-Based Learning opportunities. Two reports are scheduled: an initial report to Governor Stein by June 15 and a detailed follow-up report in December.

Dr. Jeff Cox, President of the NC Community College System, noted the alignment between community colleges and industry demand: “Through this Council, we can further align training with industry demand and open more doors for North Carolinians to enter rewarding careers.”

The initial meeting included a review of responsibilities, North Carolina’s economic outlook, existing workforce goals, and discussions on supporting diverse populations, such as rural communities, justice-involved individuals, people with disabilities, and veterans.

Council membership spans across multiple sectors, involving individuals like Andréa Allard, Jennifer Allen, Representative Vernetta Alston, and others from both public and private sectors.