On June 8, 2023, the Iredell Industry & Education Alliance, a collaboration of private and public sector leaders, launched Iredell Ready, a county-wide workforce initiative designed to help students and residents, K-12 through retirement age, identify opportunities to pursue individual career pathways and employment with industries in Iredell County. This collaborative effort helps to promote lifelong learning and helps to close an existing skills gap for Iredell County employers. In addition, the establishment of this initiative aims to strengthen partnerships with industries by working to support their recruitment, retention and pipeline development efforts to build a skilled workforce.
Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB), has been a key partner since the beginning in the effort to bring this project to life, with initial efforts headed by Iredell Economic Development Corporation. Other founding partners include Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, Iredell County, Iredell-Statesville Schools, Mooresville Graded School District and Mitchell Community College. Since the announcement of the project’s creation in March of 2022, the initiative has added more business and organizational partners on board, representing six targeted industry sectors and community partners within Iredell County. Centralina WDB is proud to be a partner in this initiative in helping to create pathways for the future.
The Iredell County Commissioners and current partners have pledged $750,000 in funding over three years to help push the project forward, as well as volunteer hours and the establishment of designated programs to help support current priorities in the current workforce pipeline. Iredell Ready is currently working to develop a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy, along with an expansive website that will feature helpful resources and engaging content users can utilize to help them develop their own unique career pathway in Iredell County.
To learn more about the initiative, news and events, visit the existing landing page and follow Iredell Ready on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. A full website with resources to help individuals navigate what is available will launch in late September 2023.
