The Impact of Education and Workforce Programs on Charlotte’s Job Market

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• At the #Invest: Houston 2024 Launch Event , education leaders discussed ways to improve access and quality in learning. The panel, featuring Alisa White of Sam Houston State University , Col. Mike Fossum of Texas A&M University, and Bob Keith of the University of St. Thomas , highlighted the need for affordable education, reliable access to technology, and innovative learning models. While Texas has made strides in higher education funding, challenges like rising tuition remain. The panelists emphasized that higher education fosters resilience, preparing students for success in both work and life.To watch the full panel discussion, click here.
• Positive thinking can transform teams and individuals , while negativity can derail progress. A young saleswoman at my company reminded me of this recently. Despite numerous challenges, she maintained a positive mindset, viewing setbacks as opportunities to grow. Her persistence led to success, signing deals that more experienced colleagues hadn’t. This reflects a valuable lesson: staying positive, even when times are tough, can lead to long-term success. As leaders, we must practice positivity, especially in a world filled with negativity, because our teams rely on us to guide them forward. What helps you stay positive?
• Greater Fort Lauderdale is experiencing rapid growth , attracting companies in life sciences, fintech, and advanced manufacturing. With over 200 corporate headquarters, the region’s business-friendly environment and improved global connectivity, thanks to Port Everglades and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, have made it a hotspot for investment. However, as the region grows, challenges like housing and infrastructure need attention. Broward County is addressing these with a 10-year affordable housing plan and new transportation initiatives, all of which will be explored in the upcoming Invest: Greater Fort Lauderdale 7th Edition report.

Quote of the week

One key trend is the relationship between machines , which are getting better at being machines, and humans, who need to get better at being human." - Lori J. Carrell, Ph.D. , Chancellor, University of Minnesota-Rochester

How education and workforce programs are shaping Charlotte’s job market and economy

Writer: Eleana Terán Tassinari

September 2024 — Industry transformation is expected to change nearly one in four jobs over the next five years, according to the World Economic Forum . As technology rapidly evolves, there’s a pressing need for leaders to rethink how to prepare young adults and students for the future workforce.

In the Charlotte region, educational and nonprofit institutions are partnering with industries to create opportunities that benefit both students and the future job market. By aligning curricula and workforce development programs, local leaders are fostering a talent pipeline tailored to employers' needs and high-paying jobs.

The City of Charlotte has shown its commitment by approving $3.6 million in grants in the second quarter of 2024. These funds are being distributed to local organizations that provide training and career services, benefiting over 500 individuals and addressing local business workforce needs. This targeted investment ensures Charlotte’s workforce remains competitive and prepared for future challenges.

Several education and workforce development leaders shared their thoughts on advancing workforce initiatives:

Stacey Moore , President of York Technical College “We believe workforce development is everyone’s job, from faculty to custodians. However, to make this happen, we have a dedicated division focused on fundraising, marketing, communications, and workforce engagement. This allows us to stay in tune with industry trends and offer relevant training programs, such as those for electric vehicles in partnership with industry leaders.”

Douglas Hicks , President of Davidson College “Our mission is to prepare students for leadership and service, in both their careers and communities. A liberal arts education equips students with critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills — abilities that never go out of style. The economic impact of Davidson College on the Charlotte region exceeds $400 million annually, reflecting the broad influence of educational institutions.”

Robyn Hamilton, President and CEO of the Urban League of Central Carolinas “We align our training programs with market needs, partnering with key companies like Trane Technologies in the HVAC industry. Our goal is to produce a workforce equipped for emerging sectors like healthcare and clean energy. For example, our CNA program helps address the local nursing shortage by providing entry-level healthcare workers.”

Robin Cummings, Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP) “UNCP provides a unique education experience for students from low-income and rural households, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college. Our approach, combined with the NC Promise tuition plan, allows students to graduate with little or no debt. This enables them to stay in the region and work in high-demand fields like cybersecurity, computer science, and healthcare, contributing to the local economy.”

For more information, visit: York Technical College Davidson College Urban League of Central Carolinas University of North Carolina at Pembroke

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