Workforce Development

We support workforce development programs and initiatives that help companies of all sizes to grow and be competitive in our market – including identifying talent needs. Recruiting, screening, training, and developing talent is key to the success of any business. There are several educational and workforce development agencies in the Raleigh area that help connect businesses with employers.

Raleigh Pathways Center

The Raleigh Pathways Center is a partnership between the City of Raleigh, Capital Area Workforce Development Board, and Wake Tech Community College. The Center offers workforce development and programs that help young adults find a career and a clear pathway to success. These programs include: 

• Raleigh Summer Youth Employment Program 
• Partnership Raleigh 
• Digital Inclusion 
• National League of Cities

Capital Area Workforce Development Board

The mission of the Capital Area Workforce Development Board (CAWD) is to create a highly effective workforce system. This system will provide employers with productive, skilled workers and offer citizens training and employment opportunities that promote job satisfaction and economic stability. CAWD offers a variety of services to businesses, including: 

• Recruiting Assistance and Guidance 
• Financial Incentive Information 
• Rapid Response/Outplacement Assistance 
• Seminars and Workshops for Businesses 
• On the Job Employee Training 
• Incumbent Worker Training 
• Hiring Events 

Through CAWD, the NCWorks Career Centers also allows employers to search for candidates, post job listings, find and review resumes, and access labor market trends, statistics, and economic and demographic data specific to your area and your industry.

NC Community Colleges Customized Training

The Customized Training Program provides education, training, and support services for new, expanding and existing business and industry in North Carolina through their network of 58 community colleges, serving all 100 counties of the state.

Wake County Public School System

The Wake County Public School System has a goal for every student to graduate globally competitive for work and postsecondary education and well prepared for life. 

As part of this goal, the Career and Technical Education (CTE) program promotes best practices that enhance teachers’ efforts to improve student achievement and encourage responsible career choices. Middle school students are offered exploratory courses in business and information technologies, life skills, technology systems, and career decisions. High schools offer introductory courses that are available in grades 9 and 10, with advanced and specialized instruction in grades 11 and 12. Courses include agriculture, business and information technology, career development, health occupations, family and consumer sciences, marketing, technology, and trade and industry.

Wake Technical Community College

Wake Tech plays an active role in workforce training and lifelong learning for citizens of the Capital area. Their Workforce Continuing Education programs provide courses for those who need to train, retrain, and upgrade skills in a vocational or professional area. 

Programs include customized training for corporations and businesses, small business counseling and support, public safety officer training, information technology, vocational training, as well as barbering and cosmetology instruction. Wake Tech also works with those who need to learn English as a second language and those individuals whose education stopped short of high school graduation. 

• WakeWorks Apprenticeship | 919-335-1225 
  Companies know that skilled workers are critical to their success. WakeWorks® Apprenticeship helps local industry meet their staffing needs. Build your future workforce by developing the talent you need at your place of business. Registered apprentices learn skills from your most seasoned employees, creating a company culture that reduces turnover and fosters loyalty for years to come. 
• Wake Tech’s Customized Training Program |  ctp@waketech.edu 
  Wake Tech’s Customized Training Program provides training assistance that supports full-time production and direct customer service positions created in North Carolina. Via this program, the growth potential of eligible NC companies is enhanced while simultaneously preparing North Carolina’s workforce with skills essential for successful employment in emerging industries.
• Wake Tech Propel | wceresources@waketech.edu 
  Propel is a new training initiative to assist residents with job transition and economic recovery. Funded by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief program, Propel offers scholarship awards of up to $750 for accelerated non-degree Workforce Continuing Education courses leading to industry-recognized or state credentials for high-demand jobs in five career fields. Most of the courses can be completed in 3 to 6 months.

Child Care

Child care is crucial for workforce development. Working parents in North Carolina can conveniently explore local child care options using the Child Care Facilities search tool provided by the Division of Child Development and Early Education.