WHEREAS, the global economy continues to change rapidly, and ensuring that North Carolinians are ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow is of paramount importance; and
WHEREAS, the strength of North Carolina’s workforce is one of the most important factors affecting the decisions of businesses to locate or expand in our state; and
WHEREAS, workforce development professionals connect North Carolinians to good jobs and help them become successful, productive workers, while helping North Carolina businesses find new employees, train existing employees, and develop strong, diverse talent pipelines; and
WHEREAS, workforce development professionals help their clients build confidence, find pathways to rewarding careers with family-sustaining wages, and gain the skills they need for the modern workplace; and
WHEREAS, during North Carolina’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, workforce development professionals have contributed to our state’s resilience, playing key roles in getting North Carolinians back to work and into career training; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is making great progress in strengthening the alignment of economic development with workforce development by having professionals promote the upskilling and reskilling of North Carolina workers so that they can fill a growing number of jobs for employers; and
WHEREAS, the NC Job Ready initiative focuses on workforce development and is built on three core principles: skills and education attainment, employer leadership, and local innovation; and
WHEREAS, workforce development professionals serve within the NCWorks system, which includes the North Carolina Department of Commerce, local Workforce Development Boards, community colleges, public schools, and other organizations; and
WHEREAS, the expertise and leadership of workforce development professionals strengthen our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2021, as “WORKFORCE DEVELEOPMENT PROFESSIONALS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.