North Carolina Earns Top Spot for Workforce Development in 2026
North Carolina’s commitment to workforce development has earned the state the title of Top State for Workforce Development for 2026 by Site Selection magazine. Governor Josh Stein highlighted this achievement during his visit to Machine Specialties Inc. (MSI) in Whitsett, emphasizing the state’s efforts in workforce investments and the recent recommendations by the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.
“North Carolina’s strength is our people,” said Governor Josh Stein. “They power our economy. North Carolina is already the top state for business; now we are the top state for workforce. In 2025, North Carolina had our best year of job announcements ever. We must continue to invest in our people and expand pathways that prepare more people for the career opportunities being built here. With strategic leadership from my Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, North Carolina will not be outworked when it comes to workforce development.”
Previously ranked as “America’s Top State for Business,” North Carolina has now been recognized for its substantial investments in workforce development. The magazine evaluated states based on factors such as the percentage of the workforce with credentials and degrees, along with labor productivity. North Carolina topped the list, followed by Utah and Illinois.
“North Carolina’s talented people give us our competitive edge, and our workforce system is increasingly aligned with economic development to meet the needs of growing, innovative businesses,” said N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships. He highlighted the collaboration between the Department of Commerce, NCWorks Career Centers, local workforce boards, universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, and industry partners in promoting skills for today’s and tomorrow’s jobs.
Practical Strategies for Workforce Development
The Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships has been instrumental in aligning education and workforce training with employer needs. “This recognition shows what’s possible when we align education, workforce training, and the real needs of employers,” said Senator Eddie Settle, co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships. The Council’s work focuses on expanding apprenticeships, strengthening work-based learning, and creating job opportunities for North Carolinians.
Andrea DeSantis, N.C. Commerce Assistant Secretary for Workforce Solutions, emphasized the role of NCWorks and its partners in helping North Carolinians overcome employment barriers and in enhancing economic mobility. She stated, “North Carolina is fortunate to have innovative workforce programs that connect talent to jobs with thousands of partnering employers.”
Educational Foundations and Workforce Readiness
North Carolina’s educational institutions are pivotal in preparing the workforce. “North Carolina’s community colleges sit at the intersection of education and industry,” said Dr. Jeffrey Cox, President of the NC Community College System. The focus is on aligning training with workforce demand, thereby expanding access to high-quality jobs.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green highlighted the success of North Carolina’s public schools, noting historic highs in graduation rates and participation in Career and Technical Education (CTE). “This workforce development ranking reflects the strength of North Carolina’s educational continuum,” he said.
University of North Carolina President Peter Hans underscored the importance of the UNC System in providing cutting-edge instruction and research to support the workforce. “The world-class UNC System is one of North Carolina’s most important strategic assets,” he commented.
The Site Selection workforce rankings can be reviewed at: https://siteselection.com/2026-workforce-development-rankings-bright-horizons/.
North Carolina’s Workforce Initiatives in 2025
Governor Stein’s administration has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing educational attainment, affordability, and workforce participation. Key initiatives in 2025 included:
- Establishment of the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships through Executive Order No. 11, with the Council identifying 11 workforce development goals and recommending 30 strategies.
- Creation of the North Carolina Task Force on Child Care and Early Education to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care.
- Support for economic recovery in western North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene using a federal Dislocated Worker Grant.
- Serving approximately 84,000 jobseekers and 23,000 employers through NCWorks Career Centers.
- Policy approval by the NCWorks Commission for local boards to allocate at least 6% of certain federal funds to apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships.
- Encouraging businesses to participate in the HIRE Vets Medallion Program, with an increased number of North Carolina companies receiving awards in 2025.
- Celebrating the GE Aerospace Foundation’s $500,000 donation to the Heroes MAKE America Program in North Carolina.
- Launch of the Join North Carolina website to facilitate employment opportunities for those affected by Hurricane Helene and federal cuts.
- Enhancements to the NCcareers.org platform, witnessing a 90% user growth and new career exploration tools.
Highlighting Workforce Programs
At MSI, Governor Stein and Secretary Lilley discussed the role of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships in maintaining North Carolina’s momentum. MSI, partnered with Guilford Apprenticeship Partners (GAP) and RockATOP, exemplifies successful apprenticeship programs in the region.
“At MSI, apprenticeships are central to how we build our workforce,” said David Storey, president and CEO of Machine Specialties Inc. He noted that nearly one-third of MSI employees are current or former apprentices, emphasizing partnerships like GAP and RockATOP in creating pathways into advanced manufacturing.
A Year of Strategic Priorities
The Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships released a report detailing strategies to strengthen workforce opportunities. The Council emphasized employer engagement in key sectors and public awareness campaigns.
Governor Stein’s administration announced over $24 billion in new capital investment and 35,000 new jobs in 2025, highlighting North Carolina’s robust manufacturing and clean energy sectors. Recently, $7.2 million in Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) grants were announced to boost economic growth in the state’s most distressed areas.
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