NC's workforce development success stories

DURHAM – Businesses are facing talent shortages, even as concerns about economic uncertainty persist across the state of North Carolina and the United States. But organizations are changing their approaches to workforce development and to training existing workers to fill the high-skill roles required now as well as projected for the future.

“What we want to see is local businesses at the table collaborating and partnering with community colleges as well as the public school system, so we are constantly creating a pipeline,” said Marilyn Chism, the directors of programs at the Golden LEAF Foundation, who participated on a panel during Thursday’s Education & Workforce Conference hosted by the North Carolina Chamber of Commerce. “We want to know we are investing in projects that will lead to career pathways that support the business industry.”

The foundation has been making grants, including in the area of economic development, for two decades. And it funds economic development projects that “focus on creating and retaining jobs, attracting new business to North Carolina, expanding industries and training new workers,” according to its website.

While the foundation often partners with the state’s economic development officials and other economic development entities, they’re not doing so without ample research on how grantmaking can drive workforce outcomes.

Durham Tech exec calls for funding changes to help NC meet demand for skilled workers

Changing approaches to workforce development

Still, companies are reconsidering their existing models, and rethinking how to partner with institutions in North Carolina, whether foundations like Golden LEAF or institutions of higher education, including the state’s community college system.

While some believe that the state’s approach to the community college system must change, companies and organizations in need of talent will also play a role.

And Dr. Rosalind Dale, the vice provost for engagement and outreach at North Carolina A&T, told an audience on Thursday that while companies may have begun to approach the institution with the intention of diversifying their workforce, she’s working with corporate partners to ensure that the relationship benefits students, first and foremost.

“We have an obligation, not just as a learning grant, but as a higher education institution to be good neighbors and make sure that the work that we do, that it educates our students so they have a bright future, but it also takes care of our community and helps with economic development and growth of our communities as well.”

A&T continues to bolster its research efforts, said Dale, including the recently announced $23.7 million federal grant to expand a workforce development program targeted to train workers among 16 North Carolina counties for careers and good paying jobs in clean energy, WRAL TechWire reported earlier in August.

NC A&T lands $23.7M federal grant for workforce training program

An example

American Tower, a real estate investment trust and Fortune 500 company with operations in North Carolina, previously required all applicants for all jobs to hold a bachelor’s degree.

But not anymore, said Jacqueline Browning, the director of diversity, equity, and inclusion at American Tower.

“The mindset has shifted,” said Browning.

It’s not just at American Tower, either. Fidelity Investments, which continues to hire hundreds of workers in the Triangle, removed education requirements for some of its roles last fall.

Other firms are doing so as well, said Browning. And it’s not limited to Fortune 500 companies, it’s organizations of all sizes, based in all geographies.

“Everyone is having the conversation on how to tap into the talent, how to retool, and also allowing access for current employees to go back to school and advance themselves,” said Browning.