Governor Proclaims Workforce Development Professionals Month 2023

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 our state’s workforce and of our training programs have led to unprecedented economic development success for North Carolina, and numerous accolades for our business climate; 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 the employees they have, and develop strong, diverse talent pipelines; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina is making great progress in strengthening the alignment of economic development with First in Talent, a strategic economic development plan that highlights the importance of preparing the workforce for career and entrepreneurial success; and

WHEREAS, workforce development professionals promote the upskilling and reskilling of North Carolina workers so that they can fill a growing number of jobs for employers, while also expanding opportunity through the promotion of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI); 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 are essential partners in the effort to achieve our state’s educational attainment goal – by 2030, 2 million North Carolinians between the ages of 25 and 44 years old have a postsecondary degree or credential; 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, strengthening our state through their expertise and leadership;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October, 2023, as “WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.