Career Development for the Next Generation

Centralina Workforce Development Board’s NextGen program provides the best possible opportunity to find a job and keep it for eligible youth between the ages of 16 and 24. Through this program, staff members help students learn to set and accomplish goals, understand how to be a responsible employee and start down a solid career path with a promising future. Eligibility for services is determined by requirements in your area, but can be determined by age, need and having a barrier to employment, like incomplete education, criminal background or disability. 

Our staff uses this program to build relationships with young community members, develop sustainable career paths and make the most out of cross-county resources. Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, NextGen supports a broader youth vision that includes an integrated service delivery system and provides a framework through which states and local communities can leverage other resources to support in-school youth and out-of-school youth.  

In our region, NextGen serves seven counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Iredell, Lincoln, Rowan, Stanly and Union. In fiscal year 2024, 89 eligible individuals participated in NextGen services, working to establish themselves as young professionals and set off in their careers. 

NextGen recently hosted the 2025 NC Youth Forum in Greensboro, an event that included topics ranging from career advising, mental health strategies, “7 Steps to Getting Hired,” AI in Action and much more. Johnathan Owens, Career Development Specialist for Stanly & Rowan Counties, said, “The NC Youth Forum was a great learning experience and opportunity to share ideas. What really stood out to me during this event was the AI incorporation.”  

Could you or someone you know benefit from NextGen? Connect with us today.