Workforce Connect

A stronger workforce starts with better partnerships. How can workforce leaders, educators, and employers collaborate to close the skills gap in North Carolina? Join us on March 24 at 1 PM MT | 3 PM ET for Workforce Insights Episode 2, where AdvanceNC’s workforce leaders will share how they built a 20+ partner workforce consortium to connect industry and education and develop a stronger talent pipeline for advanced manufacturing. What you’ll learn: ? How AdvanceNC connects workforce training with employer needs. ? How customized training programs prepare workers for high-demand careers. ? The future of workforce development in North Carolina and how you can get involved. Featuring: ? Margaret Roberton – Vice President for Workforce Development at Central Carolina Community College ? Erin Blakeley – Executive Director of Workforce Special Programs, AdvanceNC ? Moderated by: Marty Lessmann, Founder & Chief Experience Officer of Workforce Connect ?? Reserve your spot today! https://lnkd.in/g-F5vN5W #WorkforceInsights #AdvanceNC #WorkforceDevelopment #NorthCarolina

A stronger workforce starts with better partnerships. How can workforce leaders, educators, and employers collaborate to close the skills gap in North Carolina? Join us on March 24 at 1 PM MT | 3 PM ET for Workforce Insights Episode 2, where AdvanceNC’s workforce leaders will share how they built a 20+ partner workforce consortium to connect industry and education and develop a stronger talent pipeline for advanced manufacturing. What you’ll learn: ? How AdvanceNC connects workforce training with employer needs. ? How customized training programs prepare workers for high-demand careers. ? The future of workforce development in North Carolina and how you can get involved. Featuring: ? Margaret Roberton – Vice President for Workforce Development at Central Carolina Community College ? Erin Blakeley – Executive Director of Workforce Special Programs, AdvanceNC ? Moderated by: Marty Lessmann, Founder & Chief Experience Officer of Workforce Connect ?? Reserve your spot today! https://lnkd.in/g-F5vN5W #WorkforceInsights #AdvanceNC #WorkforceDevelopment #NorthCarolina

Thank you League for Innovation in the Community College for another excellent conference. Community colleges are rapidly adopting Workforce Connect to standardize, simplify, and scale their workforce partnerships. #WorkforcePartnershipManagementPlatform. The work Eric Dunker, Ph.D. (one of Workforce Connect's design partners) and the National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree (NCAD)is inspiring and the future of education with 3,000,000 apprenticeship degrees by 2035. Check them out!

Maximizing workforce partnerships shouldn't be this hard. If you're still juggling spreadsheets, complex CRMs, and scattered communications, there’s a better way—and we’d love to share it with you. Join us at League for Innovation in the Community College Innovations Conference 2025 to see how Workforce Connect helps community colleges streamline partnerships, eliminate partner fatigue, and leverage real-time data for funding and growth. Date: March 10 | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Location: Presidio C, Third Floor Topic: Finally, a Workforce Partnership Management Solution: Meet Workforce Connect This session is led by: ?? Marty Lessmann, Co-Founder & Chief Experience Officer, Workforce Connect ?? Eric Dunker, Ph.D., Chief Growth Officer & Founding ED, National Center for the Apprenticeship Degree (NCAD) Let’s connect at #25INNTX #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityColleges #EdTech

How do we build a workforce that actually works for both employers and job seekers? The answer: Employer Engagement A strong workforce isn’t built in isolation—it requires real collaboration between employers and workforce professionals. As industries like advanced manufacturing, biotech, and renewable energy evolve, specialized skills are in higher demand than ever. Without employer input, training programs risk missing the mark. At Workforce Connect, we’ve seen firsthand how employer engagement transforms not just programs, but entire communities. It’s not just about filling jobs—it’s about creating long-term partnerships that align workforce initiatives with economic growth. How can workforce professionals strengthen employer engagement? ? Bridging the Skill Gaps – Employers provide critical insights into the most in-demand skills. ? Driving Program Relevance – Keeping training aligned with real-world needs. ? Strengthening Economic Impact – Workforce partnerships fuel growth and attract investment. ? Engage early—bring employers into the conversation before programs launch. ? Show clear ROI—demonstrate how workforce initiatives save hiring and training costs. ? Use technology—leverage tools like Workforce Connect to track progress and improve collaboration. We take a deeper dive into this topic in this month’s Workforce Minutes with Marty Lessmann check it out here: https://hubs.la/Q038QX3H0 Let’s keep building the future, one partnership at a time. #WorkforceDevelopment #EmployerEngagement #SkillsGap #FutureOfWork

Apple’s latest investment announcement marks a transformative moment for U.S. manufacturing. Over the next four years, Apple will invest more than $500 billion in its U.S. operations—a bold commitment that includes a strong focus on modernizing production facilities. This initiative will drive the integration of advanced automation and cutting-edge technologies into manufacturing processes, setting the stage for high-skilled job creation and stronger local supply chains. This strategic move not only reinforces Apple’s leadership in technology but also signals a new era of industrial innovation. Read the full article on Apple’s newsroom to explore how this investment is reshaping the future of American manufacturing. https://lnkd.in/ehgm5zbn #Manufacturing #Innovation #TechInvestment #JobCreation

Case Study: Building North Carolina’s Skilled Workforce The demand for high-tech skills is outpacing supply, leaving many advanced manufacturing employers struggling to find qualified workers. That’s where AdvanceNC steps in. By partnering with community colleges, technical institutions, and industry leaders, AdvanceNC has developed targeted upskilling programs to close skill gaps and future-proof North Carolina’s workforce. Key Outcomes: ? Employers shaping training programs with real-world insights ? Wake Tech’s robotics boot camps achieving 80%+ job placement rates ? Wolfspeed hiring 75% of cleanroom technician graduates in just two months Workforce professionals take note - Collaboration, flexibility, and tech-driven training are the key ingredients for success. Read the full case study and see how AdvanceNC is setting the standard for workforce development: https://hubs.ly/Q036_l9P0 #WorkforceDevelopment #Upskilling #AdvanceNC #ManufacturingJobs #FutureOfWork

Curious about managing sector partnerships more effectively? Workforce Connect has the solution. Our Workforce Partnership Management platform empowers you to build and manage sector partnerships across multiple organizations, map them to careers, and seamlessly track key insights—all in one place. Let’s connect and explore how Workforce Connect can support your workforce initiatives! Marty Lessmann,Brendan Healey, Samantha Sands #WorkforceDevelopment, American Association of Community CollegesLeague for Innovation in the Community College

The future of workforce development is here! This year, community partnerships, industry-aligned training, and emerging tech are redefining how we prepare workers for the future. Institutions that embrace data-driven strategies, agile leadership, and workforce technology will lead the way. We break down the biggest trends and actionable strategies in our latest Workforce Insights article. ?? Read more: https://hubs.la/Q035wxsr0 #WorkforceDevelopment #FutureOfWork #HigherEd #CommunityColleges #CareerPathways

It was a true honor to be part of this event. See you next year!