WS Chronicle

During a recent visit to Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC), Governor Josh Stein announced the formation of a new state-level Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships aimed at aligning education, industry and government to meet the needs of a fast-changing economy.  

The new council will bring together leaders from education, business, labor and state agencies to identify workforce needs, remove barriers to employment, and ensure North Carolinians have access to training for high-wage, high-growth workers. Gov. Stein made the announcement while touring FTCC’s growing Transportation Technology Center, a hub for hands-on training in high demand fields like diesel repair, automotive technology and motorsports.  

“Our state’s greatest asset is our people, and to invest in our future we must invest in our people. No state will outwork North Carolina when it comes to developing our workforce,” said Gov. Stein. “I am proud to sign this executive order and launch this council to keep delivering on the promise of North Carolina – that where you come from should never limit how far you can go.”  

The Transportation Technology Center was chosen as the site for the announcement because it exemplifies the type of hands-on, career-focused learning that the council hopes to support and expand across the state. “It’s a ‘wonderful thing for our state to focus on workforce and apprenticeships and I think the governor recognizes community colleges’ role in being a work force driver. I felt really honored that he chose Forsyth Tech as the community college to go to  make that announcement,” said Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, president of FTCC.  

“Community colleges really are the backbone of workforce development, and we have learned over the past five years just how really important work-based opportunities for our students are because they can get the hands-on experience that make them work-ready the minute they walk through the door.”  

Currently the Transportation Technology Center is being remodeled. According to Dr. Spriggs, changes to the facility will allow more students to enroll in programs. The new space, which will open in May, will include additional labs, classrooms and workspace for vehicles. FTCC has also formed a partnership with Rivian, an electric vehicle manufacturer.  

“It allows us to expand the student enrollment most importantly,” Dr. Spriggs said. “Those jobs in automotive technology, heavy diesel equipment, motorcycle repair, collision and auto body, all of those jobs are really high demand, high quality jobs because they offer family-sustaining wages. It’s critically important for us to be able to meet the demands, not only for the students who want to go into those careers, but for the businesses as well who need those skilled workers.”  

The new Workforce Development Council will begin meeting later this year, with an initial focus on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades and transportation. More details, including council members and upcoming initiatives, will be released in the coming weeks.