Workforce Readiness Programs in Western N.C. Awarded More Than $1.5 Million in Grants

Governor Pat McCrory announced today that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will invest more than $1.5 million in support for aviation and automotive career pathways at two North Carolina community colleges.


“These investments in western North Carolina’s advanced manufacturing workforce pipelines will continue to strengthen our state’s position as one of the fastest growing economies in the nation,” said Governor McCrory. “The funds will further support our talent pipelines for automotive and aerospace jobs in North Carolina where we lead the southeast in manufacturing jobs.”


Isothermal Community College is receiving $987,940 from ARC to purchase training equipment, develop a curriculum and outreach program for as many as 300 students in Polk and Rutherford counties to pursue careers in aviation and automotive manufacturing.


A $527,379 grant to Southwestern Community College from ARC will similarly connect 189 students in Swain County with career development opportunities in automotive manufacturing.


N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III and ARC Federal Co-Chair Earl Gohl awarded the grants today at Isothermal Community College in Rutherford County.


“Career pathways unite our secondary schools and community colleges to assure existing and arriving manufacturers that North Carolina’s labor force can meet not only existing needs in their industry, but also those that will be required in the future,” said Secretary Skvarla. “When it comes to vertically-integrated workforce readiness strategies, our state sets the standard thanks to Governor McCrory’s focus on workforce.”


North Carolina is home to more than 290 automotive manufacturing establishments and a workforce of over 26,000. Employment in North Carolina’s automotive manufacturing industry grew by 25 percent during the past five years. North Carolina also is among the top 10 states in attracting aerospace jobs, according to Industry Week’s “2015 Aerospace Manufacturing Attractiveness Rankings.” The sector is driven by major industrial employers, as well as defense and homeland security operations.


Established in 1965, the Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government. North Carolina is among 13 states working in partnership with ARC in facilitating economic and community development in 420 counties across Appalachia. There are 29 North Carolina counties in the ARC footprint. Its programs in the state are administered by the Rural Economic Development team at N.C. Commerce.