Studies conducted by the National Association of Manufacturing show that nearly 2.1 million jobs could remain unfilled by 2030 due to the lack of skills within the manufacturing industry. Leaders in Rowan and Cabarrus County took note of these skill gap discrepancies and recognized a need to address recruitment issues head-on in order to keep the industry growing and competitive with the community. In response, both counties banded together to develop The North Carolina Manufacturing Institute, a training program that teaches individuals essential skills to work in a full-time manufacturing industry job.

Access to transportation options is critical to enhancing the quality of life of residents throughout our region. Without it, individuals may struggle to attain essential goods and services they need to thrive. A group that is particularly affected by the lack of options is workers and job seekers. Learn how Centralina Workforce and some of their partners helped one job seeker find reliable transportation to help them grow and advance their career path.

On February 28th and March 1st, the North Carolina Association of Workforce Boards and it’s Executive Directors Council, in partnership with the NCWorks Training Center and NC Commerce Division of Workforce Solutions, hosted the very first NC Youth Forum in Greensboro, NC. This first-of-its-kind training event allowed over 150 youth leads and youth service providers the opportunity to network and learn best practices from others working in the field. Our very own Centralina Workforce Development Board NextGen Program Leader, Solomon McAuley, presented a workshop on youth engagement. His presentation dove deep into what the term means, how it’s evolving and how leaders can consistently empower and encourage youth and young adults across our state.

Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) pursues volunteerism all year round through their annual “Centralina Year of Giving” initiative. As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we’re highlighting several of the volunteer efforts WDB provided throughout the region this past year.

This Women’s History Month, we’re honoring the talented and inspiring women leading and contributing to workforce initiatives in the Centralina region.

Lake Norman Economic Development is a nonprofit focused on increasing economic outcomes in the community by addressing workforce gaps. In 2022, it received the 2021 Cross Community Collaboration Award (small community) for its Journey 360 program and virtual speed networking events that were developed to address workforce trends and provide high school students with educational opportunities.

The onset of the COVID-19 created a shift in employment causing record-high job losses across the nation. However, now that the world has returned to normal operations, employers have reported difficulty finding the workers they need to fill open positions. Centralina Workforce Development Board and our NCWorks team worked together to help provide a solution.

In early November 2021, Catreana Harris rang the bell at NCWorks Career Center-Stanly after obtaining employment. Ringing the bell recognizes the career seekers who have been able to obtain a job. Before this, Catreana had lost her position as a home health aide due to physical health conditions that prevented her from heavy lifting. Catreana needed to find a new way to financially support herself and sought employment assistance from NCWorks Career Center in Albemarle. The NCWorks staff looked for new ways to apply her passion for healthcare and medical skills background to a related field.

On Tuesday, November 30, 2021, Centralina Workforce Development Board (WDB) celebrated the opening of its Opportunity Site, housed in the HOLLA! Community Resource and Community Development Center, a nonprofit organization that provides a variety of services and programs that aid in increasing the test scores of youth so that they are better equipped to make positive contribution to the community and society.