How NCEdge empowers the workforce and attracts more business to North Carolina

As America’s Top State for Business in 2022 and 2023, according to CNBC, North Carolina continues to solidify its position as a leader in economic development and workforce innovation. One of the driving forces behind this success is NCEdge, a service of the North Carolina Community College System, focused on empowering the state’s workforce through tailored training solutions.  

For more than 60 years, North Carolina community colleges have been at the forefront of customizing training so businesses can attract and retain their top-tier talent. Colleges have worked with a wide range of companies, from ThermoFisher Scientific to Honda Aircraft Company to Toyota Battery Manufacturing.  
 
NCEdge community college directors and industry-recognized partners develop programs that meet the demands of each business then deliver courses ranging from pre-hire employability skills to post-hire technical, leadership and continuous improvement training.

“The impact of NCEdge is immense and it is heralded as a leader in attracting businesses to North Carolina,” said Betty Silver, Associate Vice President of NCEdge. “The work we do differs from other states in that each college acts as a consultant to access the business clients’ needs and formulate solutions unique to their requirements. We do not simply write a check and pass it to a business as other states do. We are their consultant from start to finish, allowing them to focus on production instead of worrying about how to design and deliver training.” 
 
As North Carolina continues to attract businesses seeking a skilled workforce and supportive business environment, initiatives like NCEdge are essential in ensuring the state remains competitive on a global scale. By fostering partnerships between industry, education, and government, NCEdge is driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity for all North Carolinians. 

NCEdge is also a key selling point when the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) is attracting new companies to the state or helping existing companies expand. 

James Wolfe, an Existing Industry Expansion Manager at EDPNC, said NCEdge is a big reason why North Carolina is so successful with economic development and the top state to do business. 
 
“One of the biggest issues facing employers right now is workforce availability and being able to find and hire qualified applicants, being able to offer customized training through the community colleges is a big plus in helping companies overcome that workforce challenge,” Wolfe said. “The companies may hire someone that is a good employee but might not have all the skills for that specific job, but they know that the community colleges can step in and train that person effectively and give them the skills they need to succeed.” 

NCEdge brought together key stakeholders, educators, and industry leaders to its annual conference on April 17-18 in Winston-Salem to discuss strategies for advancing workforce development in the state.  

The conference included presentations from colleges and business partners currently working together, including G.E. Aerospace with Wilkes Community College and Bharat Forge with Central Carolina Community College. Their presentations highlighted the innovative approaches they are taking to address the needs of their industries. 

Among the highlights of the conference was also a focus on “Building Internal Capacity and Ensuring Sustainability”, where participants delved into the importance of investing in staff, providing comprehensive training, and leveraging additional resources such as grant writing.  

“Attending the NCEdge conference for the first time provided me with a valuable experience. Discovering the diverse initiatives and successful strategies implemented across the state to provide customized training for local businesses was truly enriching,” said Patrycja Manning, M.ED., Associate Director of Business and Industry Services at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College. “During the discussions on Building Internal Capacity and Ensuring Sustainability, I explored the combined skills, capabilities, and knowledge present within the organization.” 
 
Additional sessions included Rural Regional Perspectives, Leadership Training, and a testimonial from Regulator Maine, who said NCEdge played a pivotal role in aligning their leaders with overarching goals and values to foster a cohesive and unified organizational culture. 
 
Every community college across the state has an NCEdge College Director who works alongside local companies and businesses to help them achieve their goals through customized training programs. By empowering businesses with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the digital age, NCEdge is paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for the region. 

Connect with NCEdge to learn more about how they can serve your business and employees.