North Carolina Tops Workforce

North Carolina has been ranked the top state for workforce development in 2026 by Site Selection magazine. Governor Josh Stein celebrated the ranking during a visit to Machine Specialties Inc. in Whitsett, highlighting the state’s investments in workforce programs and the work of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.

“North Carolina’s strength is our people,” Stein said. “We must continue to invest in them and expand pathways that prepare more residents for the career opportunities being built here.”

The ranking follows North Carolina’s 2025 designation as “America’s Top State for Business” and reflects the state’s efforts to strengthen education and workforce training. Factors considered include credentials and degrees held by the workforce and labor productivity. North Carolina finished ahead of Utah and Illinois.

Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley emphasized the collaboration between NCWorks Career Centers, community colleges, universities, K-12 schools, and industry partners to align workforce skills with employer needs. Council co-chair Senator Eddie Settle highlighted strategies to expand apprenticeships, work-based learning, and access to good jobs.

Governor Stein’s administration focused on initiatives in 2025 to expand educational attainment, work-based learning, career awareness, and support for veterans, military families, and reentry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. Programs like NCJET, NCWorks Career Centers, and apprenticeship consortia such as GAP and RockATOP help connect jobseekers to in-demand careers.

Stein also pointed to partnerships with companies like Machine Specialties Inc., which employ apprentices and reentry program participants, as examples of how North Carolina’s workforce system supports economic growth.

Since January 2025, Stein has announced business expansions and projects totaling over $24 billion in new investment and more than 35,000 jobs, reinforcing the state’s position as a leader in workforce development and economic growth.