North Carolina Workforce Boards Launch New Apprenticeship Initiative with Safal Partners

Expanding Opportunities for Apprenticeships in North Carolina

In a significant move towards enhancing workforce development, the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards (NCAWDB) has engaged Safal Partners to assist in expanding registered apprenticeship opportunities throughout the state. This collaboration is seen as a crucial step in integrating these apprenticeship programs into North Carolina's wider workforce system, thereby benefitting both employers and job seekers.

The NCAWDB’s initiative comes on the heels of Governor Roy Stein’s Executive Order 11, signed in March, which mandates that six percent of federal funds under Title I of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) be allocated for pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. This goal underscores the state’s commitment to fostering career advancement pathways for its youth and adults in high-demand sectors.

Dr. Stephanie Deese, Executive Director of NCAWDB, emphasized the role of local workforce boards in driving the state's economic growth through effective workforce development. "Safal will enhance our boards' capabilities to utilize federal funds efficiently, ultimately creating more registered apprenticeship pathways for North Carolinians and supporting local employers," she stated.

The partnership with Safal Partners, a nationally recognized expert in workforce system integration, will involve multiple training formats, including virtual, in-person, and hybrid sessions. These trainings will focus on developing supportive workforce policies for apprenticeships, training staff members, engaging stakeholders, and optimizing funding and resources.

Dr. Chris Harrington, State Director at ApprenticeshipNC, expressed optimism about this partnership, stating, "Leveraging Safal's expertise will enable North Carolina to maximize our efforts in utilizing WIOA funds effectively to reinforce registered apprenticeship programs."

With a robust grant from the U.S. Department of Labor totaling over $66 million supporting WIOA Title I programs across North Carolina, the state is well-equipped to invest in workplace initiatives that prepare its residents for successful careers. The collaboration is expected to enhance the ability of local workforce boards to provide comprehensive training and mentorship in careers that are critical to economic mobility and growth.

Katie Adams, Chief Delivery Officer at Safal Partners, praised NCAWDB for their leadership in directing resources towards the apprenticeship initiative. She reiterated their commitment to equipping local workforce boards with the necessary tools and expertise to connect North Carolina's job seekers with paid, mentored training opportunities in high-demand jobs—ultimately boosting employment rates and fostering economic vitality in the region.

This endeavor not only hopes to close the skills gap in North Carolina but also aims to create a blueprint that other states might follow in their workforce development efforts, showcasing a model for effective apprenticeship integration. As both local boards and employers align to enhance workforce effectiveness through skilled training, North Carolina is taking decisive steps toward a more competent and prepared future workforce.

For more information about the apprenticeship initiatives and the collaboration with Safal Partners, the NCAWDB and other interested parties can visit Safal Partners’ website.