March 26, 2025

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein visited Forsyth Technical Community College’s Transportation Technology Center on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 to announce the formation of a new state-level Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships aimed at aligning education, industry, and government to meet the needs of a fast-changing economy.

The announcement took place during a visit to Forsyth Tech’s growing Transportation Technology Center, a hub for hands-on training in high-demand fields like diesel repair, automotive technology, and motorsports. Governor Stein toured the facility, met with students and faculty, and highlighted the important role that community colleges play in building the state’s talent pipeline.

The new Council will bring together leaders from education, business, labor, and state agencies to identify workforce needs, remove barriers to employment, and ensure North Carolinians have access to training for high-wage, high-growth careers.

“We offer apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities that allow our students to learn while they earn with local companies, building real skills, for family-sustaining wage careers,” said Dr. Janet N. Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech.

Dr. Spriggs welcomed the governor and applauded the creation of the council, noting that the college has long been a leader in workforce education through its strong partnerships with industry and focus on real-world training.

A male student with dark hair and safety glasses smiles as he speaks with a woman with chin-length light brown hair and a man with silver hair.
Dr. Janet Spriggs (center) and North Carolina Governor Josh Stein (right), congratulate the Work-Based Learning Student of the Year, Elvi Basilio-Saucedo in the Welding & Fabrication Lab at the Transportation Technology Center.

The Transportation Technology Center was chosen as the site for the announcement because it exemplifies the type of hands-on, career-focused learning that the council hopes to support and expand across the state. Also in attendance were Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, Senator Eddie Settle, and President of the North Carolina Community College System, Dr. Jeff Cox. 

“Our state’s greatest asset is our people, and to invest in our future, we must invest in our people. No state will outwork North Carolina when it comes to developing our workforce,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud to sign this executive order and launch this council to keep delivering on the promise of North Carolina – that where you come from should never limit how far you can go.” 

The new Workforce Development Council will begin meeting later this year, with an initial focus on sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, and transportation. More details, including council members and upcoming initiatives, will be released in the coming weeks.