Governor Josh Stein visited Roanoke-Chowan Community College in North Carolina to emphasize the impact of a Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) grant on workforce training programs. The grant supports the Weld to Work Pipeline initiative, aimed at preparing residents for careers in welding and advanced manufacturing. The initiative is part of a broader effort to align educational pathways with local employment needs, particularly in Northeastern North Carolina. Governor Stein and Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley highlighted the importance of apprenticeships in providing career opportunities and supporting economic growth across rural communities.
The SCRC, a federal-state partnership, focuses on economic development and workforce support across seven southeastern states, including North Carolina. The recent $470,140 grant awarded to Roanoke-Chowan Community College aims to expand its welding program, enabling facility upgrades, equipment purchases, and hiring a full-time instructor. This investment is expected to benefit up to 150 welding students annually, with a goal of enrolling 300 students and helping 270 graduates secure jobs over two years. The program collaborates with regional employers to address workforce shortages and expand access to sustainable careers.
Governor Stein, a longtime advocate for apprenticeship models, has also supported various initiatives to enhance workforce development in North Carolina. Earlier this year, he announced the completion of pre-apprenticeship and youth apprenticeship programs for over 500 high school students through the North Carolina Business Committee for Education. These programs covered sectors such as electrical trades, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, biotechnology, and healthcare. Additionally, his administration has directed funds towards NC Career Launch, aimed at building high-quality youth apprenticeship programs in high-demand sectors.
In July, Governor Stein signed North Carolina’s first full state budget in over two years, which includes significant investments in workforce development and the community college system. The budget allocates $57.7 million for Propel NC and $3.1 million to support ApprenticeshipNC. These investments underscore the state’s commitment to enhancing its workforce capabilities and providing residents with access to good-paying careers.
Read More About This
