North Carolina is joining a network of states committed to finding innovative ways to help prepare people for jobs so they can live better lives, Governor Roy Cooper announced today. The Skillful State Network brings together 20 states to share ideas that work to create a 21st century labor market. As a leader in workforce development, North Carolina joins the network as a founding member.
‘I want North Carolinians to be better educated, healthier, and have more money in their pockets so that they can live more abundant, purposeful lives,’ Gov. Cooper said. ‘The linchpin to achieving that goal is to help people get good-paying jobs to support themselves and their families. Every state is facing economic challenges and adapting their workforce systems to overcome those challenges. We are thrilled to join the Skillful Network to learn from other states innovating in workforce development and to share our challenges and successes with them as well.’
The network is convened by Skillful, an initiative of the Markle Foundation. Skillful helps employers attract and maintain the workforce they need by providing data, tools, and resources for skills-based hiring and training practices. Coaches and digital services enable job seekers to learn what skills are in demand and access training at any stage of their career. Skillful also works with employers and educators so that their training programs teach the skills required to succeed in today’s economy.
