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Gov. Stein creates new Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships

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Gov. Josh Stein at Forsyth Technical Community College in March 2025. Photo courtesy of Forsyth Technical Community College

Gov. Josh Stein signed an executive order on March 25 creating the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.

The new council will be responsible for identifying workforce needs and amplifying strategies that help North Carolinians access the education and training needed for high-wage, high-demand, and high-growth careers. The group will consist of leaders from business, education, labor, and state agencies. 

“Our state’s greatest asset is our people, and to invest in our future, we must invest in our people. No state will outwork North Carolina when it comes to developing our workforce,” Stein said during the announcement. “I am proud to sign this executive order and launch this council to keep delivering on the promise of North Carolina – that where you come from should never limit how far you can go.”

The announcement took place at Forsyth Technical Community College’s Transportation Technology Center, which houses programs like diesel repair, automotive technology, and motorsports. Stein toured the center, meeting with several students and faculty members. 

Gov. Josh Stein announces the creation of the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships. Photo courtesy of the Office of the Governor

North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) President Dr. Jeff Cox, North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, and Sen. Eddie Settle (R-Wilkes) also attended the announcement. 

“North Carolina’s workforce is the backbone of our thriving business climate,” Lilley said.

Settle said he was proud to co-chair the council as the group works to strengthen North Carolina’s workforce and attract more employers across the state. 

Cox echoed Settle and Lilley, adding that the NCCCS will continue to work alongside Stein’s team to expand apprenticeship and other workforce credential programs.

During Stein’s recent State of the State address, he listed several goals and priorities related to apprenticeships in North Carolina, including doubling the number of apprentices over the next four years and “to unite our community colleges, public schools, and local businesses around our shared goal of getting more people access to good jobs with good wages.”

ApprenticeshipNC Director Chris Harrington said his team is dedicated to increasing the number of registered apprentices to 10 per 1,000 workers by 2034. ApprenticeshipNC currently serves 10,617 active apprentices and pre-apprentices, in addition to 2,225 national programs located in the state. 

According to a press release, the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships will begin meeting later this year, initially focusing on several workforce sectors, including advanced manufacturing, health care, skilled trades, and transportation. Members and upcoming initiatives will be released in the coming weeks.