Workforce Development

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

Workforce development is a primary focus for Governor Cooper as he seeks to ensure more North Carolinians are ready for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Governor Cooper announced NC Job Ready, his initiative to help people get good-paying jobs to support themselves and their families by investing in workforce development and job training.

Learn more about the Job Ready Plan

NC Job Ready is built on three core principles:

• Skills and Education Attainment - Education is the foundation for a strong workforce. As the skill requirements of jobs are increasing and rapidly changing, businesses need to find people with the right skills for the jobs they create and North Carolinians need access to training so they can be ready for those jobs. To close the skills gap, Governor Cooper proposed a forward-thinking plan to provide free job training for high-demand career fields.
• Employer Leadership - Employer-led job training programs have the best career outcomes. Employers know best what skills their workers need. Businesses that invest in developing North Carolina’s workforce will benefit from well-trained employees and more innovative workplaces that better reflect their communities. Governor Cooper proposed an Employer Training Fund to support work-based learning opportunities like internships and apprenticeships.
• Local Innovation - Communities across North Carolina are developing great local models of workforce development. North Carolina should build on those successes and replicate them in more places to continue building and expanding innovative solutions.