NC State University, both a land-grant and Research 1 institution, strives to serve North Carolina residents through cutting-edge research and outreach and engagement. Industry Expansion Solutions (IES), the extension arm of the College of Engineering, is the lead representative for AdvanceNC. IES supports small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) across North Carolina and collaborates with veterans’ programs and other organizations to bolster the SMM workforce. Additionally, IES provides training, such as OSHA courses, to help upskill current workforce members.