Introduction
Upskilling the workforce is a critical strategy for addressing labor market challenges and ensuring economic growth. By equipping workers with in-demand skills, workforce professionals can close gaps between employer needs and employee readiness. One of the most effective examples of this strategy in action is the AdvanceNC consortium and their AdvanceNC.com platform that has revolutionized how workforce development programs in North Carolina align with the needs of advanced manufacturing employers.
This case study explores how AdvanceNC consortium has successfully built partnerships with community colleges, technical institutions, and industry leaders to create innovative upskilling programs that meet the demands of high-tech industries.
The Challenge: Addressing Skills Gaps in Advanced Manufacturing
As North Carolina became a hub for industries like semiconductors, electric vehicles, and biotechnology, employers faced a significant challenge: finding workers with the specialized skills needed to support these high-tech sectors. The demand for skilled labor outpaced supply, threatening the growth of advanced manufacturing in the region.
Meanwhile, community colleges and workforce boards recognized the need to evolve their programs to meet these demands. The solution required collaboration across institutions, employers, and policymakers to create training programs tailored to regional industry needs.
The Solution: AdvanceNC’s Upskilling Platform
AdvanceNC addressed this challenge by acting as a bridge between employers, workforce boards and educational institutions, fostering partnerships that prioritized alignment and agility. The platform facilitated data sharing, program development, and outreach to ensure that upskilling efforts were both targeted and effective.
The Results: Measurable Impact on North Carolina’s Workforce
AdvanceNC’s upskilling initiatives have significantly transformed the state’s workforce and created a replicable model for workforce development nationwide.
KEY OUTCOMES
- Industry Collaboration: Employers provided feedback on course content and donated robotics equipment to the college’s training facility.
- Flexible Training: Wake Tech’s boot camps offer evening and weekend options, making them accessible to working adults and career changers.
- Impressive Results: With job placement rates exceeding 80%, Wake Tech’s robotics graduates are filling critical roles in regional manufacturing operations.
Successful Partnership Example: Wolfspeed
AdvanceNC partnered with Wolfspeed to launch a cleanroom technician program. Using a combination of virtual training modules and hands-on labs, the program equipped workers to meet Wolfspeed’s high standards for semiconductor manufacturing. Wolfspeed hired 75% of program graduates within two months of completion.
Lessons for Workforce Professionals
AdvanceNC’s approach to upskilling provides several key takeaways for workforce professionals:
- Collaborate Early and Often: Involve employers from the start to ensure training programs reflect real-world needs.
- Be Flexible: Modular and non-credit programs offer fast, accessible solutions for workers and employers alike.
- Leverage Technology: Use workforce management platforms and data analytics to streamline program design, track outcomes, and strengthen collaboration with industry partners. Advanced tools like virtual simulations and eLearning modules can also enhance training delivery and accessibility.
- Invest in Outreach: Raising awareness about high-tech careers can attract new talent and shift outdated perceptions of industries like manufacturing.
- Leverage Data: Use labor market insights to align program offerings with industry demand and future-proof workforce development efforts.
- Foster Diversity: Make intentional efforts to include underrepresented groups in high-demand career paths to expand the talent pool and drive economic equity.
Conclusion
AdvanceNC’s success in North Carolina demonstrates the transformative power of strategic upskilling initiatives. By aligning training programs with employer needs, fostering community awareness, and embracing flexible learning models, AdvanceNC has built a resilient, high-performing workforce that meets the challenges of today’s advanced manufacturing landscape.
For workforce professionals, the lesson is clear: effective upskilling requires collaboration, adaptability, and a commitment to meeting the demands of both employers and learners. The AdvanceNC model offers a roadmap for institutions nationwide to follow.