North Carolina has launched a new coalition called AdvanceNC, a collaborative effort aimed at developing a robust talent pipeline to meet the workforce demands of the region’s rapidly expanding advanced manufacturing sector. Spearheaded by 10 community colleges, two state universities, and six regional workforce development boards, AdvanceNC focuses on 18 central counties but is positioned as a model that could be replicated statewide.

Governor Roy Cooper and education leaders highlighted the significance of this partnership during a signing ceremony at Central Carolina Community College in the fall of 2023. Cooper praised North Carolina’s top-tier educational institutions and workforce development efforts, predicting that AdvanceNC will be a powerful force in preparing residents for the jobs of both today and tomorrow.

The initiative comes in response to a surge in large-scale investments from companies like Toyota, VinFast, and Wolfspeed, which have collectively committed billions to new manufacturing facilities in the region. To meet the growing demand for skilled labor, AdvanceNC will align training programs across community colleges, universities, and workforce boards, ensuring local workers are equipped with the expertise needed by these new employers.

Dr. Jeff Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System, emphasized the need for cross-institution collaboration, while Peter Hans, president of the University of North Carolina System, spoke of the state’s longstanding ability to adapt to economic changes and innovate in workforce development.

The coalition’s goal is not only to attract businesses to the region but also to provide long-term support to ensure these companies thrive in North Carolina. As Gov. Cooper noted, “The AdvanceNC initiative will help prepare our students for the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

For more details, visit Chatham County Economic Development Corporation.
Image credit via Randolph Community College