Raleigh, N.C. — On March 25, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein signed an executive order establishing the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, aiming to enhance workforce development and apprenticeship opportunities across the state.

Council Leadership and Composition

The newly formed council will be co-chaired by:

• Lee Lilley, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce
• State Senator Eddie Settle
• Dr. Jeffrey Cox, President of the North Carolina Community College System

This diverse leadership aims to foster collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, and the business community to address the state’s workforce needs.

Governor’s Vision

Governor Stein emphasized the importance of investing in North Carolina’s human capital, stating, “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.” He highlighted that the council’s formation is a step toward ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background.

Objectives of the Council

The Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships is tasked with:

• Identifying Strategies: Developing and promoting initiatives that enhance workforce development and apprenticeship programs statewide.
• Fostering Employer Engagement: Encouraging businesses to participate in apprenticeship programs and collaborate with educational institutions to tailor training to industry needs.
• Expanding Access: Ensuring that workforce development opportunities are accessible to individuals across all regions of North Carolina, including underserved communities.

Leadership Statements

Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley remarked, “North Carolina’s workforce is the backbone of our thriving business climate. I look forward to working together to identify and amplify strategies that help North Carolina’s workers and businesses continue to thrive.”

State Senator Eddie Settle highlighted the importance of local economies, stating, “There is a lot of good work being done around North Carolina’s main streets and towns, and they need skilled workers to reap the benefits of our growing economy.”

Dr. Jeffrey Cox emphasized the role of education in workforce development: “I am proud to co-chair this Council to work alongside Governor Stein’s team, the NC General Assembly, and businesses and industries across the state to ensure our NC Community College System continues to expand apprenticeship and other workforce credential programs.”

Governor’s Commitment to Workforce Development

Governor Stein’s establishment of the council aligns with his ongoing commitment to workforce development. In February, he visited Wake Tech Community College to tour its auto tech lab and proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month. In January, he collaborated with Surry-Yadkin Works and Altec Industries to launch the Fostering Learning through Education, Employment, and Trades (FLEET) Program. Additionally, his state budget proposal includes a $256 million investment in workforce development, including funding for free community college for students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields.

The formation of the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships represents a strategic effort to strengthen North Carolina’s economy by investing in its most valuable resource—its people. Through collaborative leadership and targeted initiatives, the state aims to equip its workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.

(Source: commerce.nc.gov)