North Carolina Governor Celebrates Workforce Development in Furniture Industry
In a significant step towards workforce development, Governor Josh Stein, accompanied by First Lady Anna Stein and Secretary of Adult Correction Leslie Dismukes, attended the graduation ceremony of the Catawba Valley Community College Furniture Academy. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving Catawba Valley Community College, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction, Catawba Correctional Center, and over 40 regional furniture companies, designed to equip students with skills for high-demand roles in the furniture sector.
Governor Josh Stein emphasized the significance of the skills acquired by the graduates, stating, “Catawba Furniture Academy graduates have gained the skillset for a meaningful career in furniture-making, one of North Carolina’s historic industries.” He praised the graduates for their dedication and achievements, noting the broader benefits when every individual can reach their potential.
First Lady Anna Stein highlighted the program’s role in rehabilitation and reentry, asserting, “A major part of rehabilitation and reentry is making sure incarcerated people have options for their future.” She commended the efforts of Warden Maynor and Catawba Valley Community College in providing viable career paths.
Leslie Dismukes, Secretary of Adult Correction, underscored the importance of investing in individuals before their reentry into society. “We are grateful for partnerships like the furniture academy that help create career pathways and build safer communities,” she remarked.
During the event, Governor Stein also shared news about Coley Home’s expansion plans in Catawba County, where a new furniture production facility will be established. This development, with a $9 million investment, aims to create 45 jobs, further solidifying North Carolina’s legacy in furniture manufacturing, notably in High Point, the Furniture Capital of the World.
With approximately 94% of incarcerated individuals eventually eligible for release, the Catawba Furniture Academy is pivotal in readying them for reentry into the workforce, particularly in a key industry. Governor Stein’s proposed 2025-2027 budget aims to enhance education programs for inmates to reduce recidivism and proposes salary increases for correctional officers to tackle staffing challenges. The budget also emphasizes the importance of linking released individuals to health care services, including Medicaid enrollment, to decrease repeat offenses.
Additionally, the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships has released their annual report this week. It outlines strategies for bolstering North Carolina’s workforce and enhancing job access, with a focus on training programs for individuals with prior incarceration.
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