October 20, 2022
Golden LEAF seeks to improve workforce preparedness in communities by increasing the number of qualified individuals with skills aligned with current and future needs of local business and industry. We fund projects that demonstrate a market demand for skilled workers and aim at developing skill sets required by businesses looking to locate or expand in rural communities. Golden LEAF invests in projects that prepare students with the technical and life skills necessary to enter work.
Some of the ways Golden LEAF measures the success of a workforce preparedness program is through tracking the number of students who complete courses, earn third party credentials, and participate in work-based learning. Other outcomes of workforce preparedness projects include students employed, incumbent workers trained, and employer satisfaction with trained students.
Learn about some of the workforce preparedness projects supported by Golden LEAF serving Chatham, Cleveland, Edgecombe, Gaston, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, Nash, Pitt, Pasquotank, Randolph, and Wilkes counties below:
Community colleges work collaboratively on truck driver training program
Central Carolina Community College, Sandhills Community College, and Randolph Community College have partnered on a regional truck driving and logistics program. This project serves Chatham, Harnett, Hoke, Lee, Moore, and Randolph counties.
This special initiative has served 699 people, resulting in 177 curriculum/continuing education program completers, 567 credentials earned, and 381 people employed. This article focuses on projects in Pasquotank and Wilkes counties.
Gaston County Schools creating an advanced manufacturing workforce through career academy
Gaston County Schools and Gaston College are working together to increase the pipeline to a career in advanced manufacturing as a component of a long-term initiative between the two schools to increase Career and College Promise and other dual enrollment opportunities for area students.
Golden LEAF funding helped Rocky Mount OIC help expand the training programs offered to at-risk individuals ages 16-35 in the areas of health occupations, advanced manufacturing, and transportation and construction trades.
Cleveland Community College developed a Heavy Equipment Operator training program to help the six employers in the region fill a need for at least 160 new heavy equipment operator job openings over the next five years.
Pitt Community College expanded the college’s existing Technical Academy by adding electrical and industrial systems CTE programs. The Academy has since added architectural technology and biotechnology.