Governor McCrory’s NCWorks Program Yields Better Trained Workers and Earns National Recognition | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Raleigh, N.C.     Thirty North Carolina businesses are increasing the skills of 438 workers thanks to Governor Pat McCrory's NCWorks Incumbent Worker Training Grant program.

    "There is nothing more powerful in our workforce than the experienced worker with the latest skills training," Governor McCrory said. "NCWorks isn't limited to training new workers. By training existing workers, this grant program multiplies the value of their experience and knowledge gained by their years on the job."

    The NCWorks Incumbent Worker Training Grant program helps reimburse participating employers for their training costs. During the first quarter of 2016, 30 North Carolina companies received $207,598 to train 438 workers.

    "When businesses have the talented workers they need, they can expand their product offerings, add more clients, and improve their bottom lines," said Will Collins, executive director of NCWorks. "These grants are an important tool for strengthening our workforce and making North Carolina a top destination for industry."

    As an example of the type of training the incumbent grants make possible, Hi-Wire Brewing of Asheville received approximately $11,000 to train and certify three workers in brewing technology, packaging and process technology, quality control, programmable logic controllers, and stainless welding.

    "The NCWorks program has allowed us to attract and retain talent, and our employees have demonstrated that our commitment to them is a two-way street and that they are top-notch at what they do for us," said Adam Charnack, co-founder of Hi-Wire Brewing.

    In 2013, Governor McCrory reorganized, consolidated and strengthened North Carolina's disparate job training efforts under the NCWorks program. The incumbent worker training grant program is one of several NCWorks services available to businesses, including talent recruitment, on-the-job training, tax credits, and apprenticeship programs. Interested employers should contact their nearest NCWorks Career Centers for details. To apply for an incumbent worker grant, businesses should contact their local Workforce Development Boards, which are partners of the NCWorks initiative.

    NCWorks is a major reason North Carolina is ranked first in the Atlantic region for workforce development by Site Selection magazine for the second year in a row.

    "A strong workforce is one of the most important factors that companies evaluate when seeking a location," said Governor McCrory. "This national ranking confirms the changes we have made to the state's workforce development system are working for both our citizens and our businesses."

    North Carolina ranked first among eight states, including Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

    "The NCWorks system connects our citizens with jobs," said N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III. "North Carolinians can access the help they need in many ways, from the online service at ncworks.gov to the 82 NCWorks Career Centers located in communities all across the state."

    Site Selection's workforce development rankings are based on three factors: the states' fiscal expenditures toward workforce programs, workforce readiness, and the state's total ACT National Career Readiness Certificates.

    "We're proud to lead the region in our devotion to connecting talented job seekers to employers," said Collins. "It is a great honor to receive this award. We will continue to lead the way in workforce development and show the nation why nothing compares to our great state."

    Click here to read Site Selection's report.

    For more information about NC Workforce Solutions, visit nccommerce.com/workforce.


    The NCWorks initiative includes the NC Commerce Division of Workforce Solutions, the NCWorks Commission, the NC Department of Public Instruction, and the North Carolina Community College System. The goal is to create a stronger alignment of services and resources to meet the workforce needs of businesses, connect North Carolinians to technical training and quality careers, and use data to monitor and assess program outcomes. For more information about NCWorks, visit nccommerce.com/ncworks.

• Contact: Crystal Feldman
•     govpress@nc.gov