Employers Will Get Governor's Ear During "1000 in 100" Launch

, N.C. - Citing the need for educators and business leaders to work hand-in-hand to provide training that will equip workers with skills that are in-demand, Governor Pat McCrory launched the “1000 in 100” workforce development initiative today.
 
The initiative is a fact-finding tour in which local workforce development teams will visit 1,000 businesses throughout North Carolina’s 100 counties during the next 100 days to learn the skill sets the state’s economy demands.  The "1000 in 100" initiative is part of the new NCWorks program which essentially put all of the state’s workforce development efforts under one roof.      
 
“During my travels across the state, business leaders and small business owners consistently tell me they can’t find all the qualified employees they need," Governor McCrory said. “Yet, we have workers who are eager to get to work, but they can't find jobs. The 1000 in 100 initiative will allow us to learn first-hand the training our schools, community colleges and universities must provide so our workers have the skills that will allow them to prosper and their employers to grow North Carolina’s economy.” 
 
The governor kicked off the "1000 in 100" listening tour at DB Global, a software company in Cary, where he and Commerce Secretary Sharon Decker listened to the concerns of company officials in finding, hiring and retaining skilled workers. DB Global has worked closely with Wake Tech to provide prospective workers JAVA as well as leadership training. 
 
"NCWorks is a partnership to connect job seekers to employers," said Secretary Decker. "This is another example of how our workforce and education systems are finding new ways to work together to make North Carolina's communities stronger." 
 
The governor, Secretary Decker and North Carolina Community College System President Scott Ralls will continue their tour at Cummins/Atlantic, HAWEUSA and Novant Healthcare during a stop in Charlotte, where they will listen to executives from each company. They will also visited Epes Transportation in Greensboro to speak with the executives of the state’s largest privately owned transportation firm.  
 
While in Greensboro, Governor McCrory, Secretary Decker and President Ralls will learn about Epes’ partnerships with Guilford Technical Community College. Epes also has a registered apprenticeship program involving veterans who receive truck driving training through Johnston Community College in a special arrangement with Fayetteville Technical Community College that allows the training to occur at Ft. Bragg.  
 
The information gathered from the "1000 in 100" initiative will be combined with other research. Governor McCrory said the data will guide continued streamlining of workforce development under the NCWorks program.