In a recent announcement confirmed by Site Selection magazine, North Carolina has been acclaimed as the Top State for Workforce Development for the year 2026, a testament to its unwavering focus on cultivating a robust labor pool. Governor Josh Stein, during his visit to Machine Specialties Inc. in Whitsett, accentuated the state's commitment to its human resource, celebrating the strategic moves that have now rendered North Carolina not only a business haven but the leader in workforce empowerment.
Site Selection magazine utilizes a set of metrics that assess aspects such as labor force qualifications and productivity, and by these standards, North Carolina outshone its competition, including Utah and Illinois, which followed in the rankings. As Governor Stein put it, speaking at the MSI event, "North Carolina is already the top state for business; now we are the top state for workforce." The Governor's Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, a centerpiece of these efforts, recommended 30 strategies alone in December 2025 to bolster the state's labor credentials, as per the N.C. Office of Governor.
While contributing to the discussion, N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary and co-chair of the Governor's Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, Lee Lilley, stressed on the calibrated alignment of the workforce system with economic needs that has been pivotal to meet the demands of burgeoning industries. "The N.C. Division of Workforce Solutions, the NCWorks Commission, and our NCWorks partners play key roles in helping North Carolinians overcome any barriers to employment they may have," N.C. Commerce Assistant Secretary for Workforce Solutions Andrea DeSantis told the N.C. Office of Governor.
Working hand in glove with education providers and industries, the NC Community College System serves as the crucial link between training and employment. "Through this Council, we can directly align training with real workforce demand—expanding access to high-quality jobs and creating clear pathways to long-term economic mobility for North Carolinians," stated Dr. Jeffrey Cox, President of the NC Community College System. The public schooling front is also not lacking, with Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green highlighting historic graduation rates and a booming career and technical education landscape, according to the N.C. Office of Governor.
Moreover, North Carolina's strategy has been inclusive, addressing the child care sector, veteran employment, disaster recovery, and reentry programs for the previously incarcerated, revealing a multi-faceted approach to bolstering the workforce. As echoed by Governor Stein, the initiative to launch the Join North Carolina website was to offer a beacon of hope for those impacted by Hurricane Helene or federal cuts, ensuring a spectrum of state government opportunities. Business innovations and N.C. Department of Commerce grants also keep feeding into the state's ambition for a strong, diversified workforce set to drive its economy forward.
Work-based learning is highlighted through enterprise testimonials, including comments from MSI Vice President Tammy Simmons, a member of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships. She described the company’s apprenticeship programs and noted the role of the statewide workforce system in supporting business growth. As the state continues to improve in rankings, North Carolina remains focused on training, job creation, and alignment with industry needs.
