North Carolina Workforce Development Leadership Initiative Celebrates Successful Completion

Five regional teams from across the state have successfully completed the North Carolina Workforce Development Leadership Initiative, an intensive, six-month professional training program that ran from October 2022 through March 2023. The participants were among the first in the nation to receive the designation of Certified Workforce Developer. 

The program was designed to equip a diverse set of participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective leaders in supporting workforce development. The curriculum was comprised of four instructional courses, each of which included 12 contact hours in the classroom. The initiative was housed in NC State University’s Municipal Research Lab. Partners included NC State University’s Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI), Economic Development Partnership and Continuing and Lifelong Education, NC Works Commission, NC Association of Workforce Development Boards and the National Association of Workforce Development Boards. The project was funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

“During the course of six months, we addressed regional challenges and identified actionable solutions that we will implement to continue to strengthen workforce and economic development in the Piedmont Triad Region,” said participant Exodus Moon, a representative from the Piedmont Triad Regional Council. “I look forward to continuing the work with our regional partners as well as maintaining the relationships I gained across the state.”

Participants wrapped up the program by brainstorming strategies to remove barriers for underrepresented groups to connect to good jobs that they will implement at the regional level. Potential projects include inclusive workforce fairs, talent surveys, asset mapping, and more, all in collaboration with multiple regional stakeholders. Cohort teams will continue to develop their community projects at a series of regional forums later this year.

“The North Carolina Workforce Development Leadership Initiative was a resounding success, and the participants’ dedication to learning and growth has set them on a path towards stronger collaboration in their communities,” said IEI Director Sarah Langer Hall. “Congratulations to all the participants on their achievement.”

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