1 Jul 2026
News
Teachers influence how students think about their futures long before graduation. The conversations that happen in classrooms often shape decisions about college, training, employment, and career goals. The Workforce Wednesdays program in Caldwell County was designed with that responsibility in mind.
For the 3rd year, through a partnership between Caldwell County Economic Development, Caldwell County Schools, and Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI), teachers spent four professional development days visiting local employers, meeting industry leaders, and learning about workforce needs across the county. The program ended with a graduation celebration on April 22nd, 2026, recognizing educators for expanding their understanding of local career pathways.
For three participating educators, the experience changed how they talk to students about work, training, and opportunities close to home. It also set the stage for how those changes showed up in their classrooms.
One consistent theme emerged from participant feedback. Teachers gained direct knowledge of local industries and left with practical ways to apply it in their schools. Their experiences also highlighted how that learning translated into classroom use.
Workforce Wednesdays gave educators opportunities to:
The experience moved career conversations beyond general advice and gave educators examples they could use right away.
Patricia Hartley joined Workforce Wednesdays with a clear goal.
“I was hoping to assist students in making important career decisions at the high school level.” That goal expanded as she saw how education, workforce training, and industry interact in Caldwell County.
For Hartley, one of the most important lessons was understanding the connection between Caldwell County Schools, CCC&TI, and local employers.
“The most valuable takeaway for me was seeing the strong bridge connecting Caldwell County Schools, CCC&TI, and our local industries.” She said that understanding workforce needs allows educators to bring greater relevance into daily instruction and show students that career opportunities exist locally.
One of Hartley’s biggest surprises came during visits to advanced manufacturing and biopharma operations. “I was incredibly surprised by the sheer level of advanced technology, automation, and clean-room environments in Caldwell County's modern manufacturing and biopharma sectors.”
That experience changed how she discusses technical careers with students.
Hartley plans to integrate examples of the local workforce into lesson planning and student conversations.
“When students ask, ‘When am I ever going to use this?’ I can now point directly to local Caldwell County employers and explain how problem-solving, digital literacy, and communication are applied on their production floors and in their laboratories.” She also intends to invite industry speakers into the classroom to create direct connections between education and employment.
Her approach to student accountability shifted as well.
“I tell them, ‘I sat down with the leaders of local industries, and they told me that reliability and a willingness to learn are the absolute first things they look for.’”
For Hartley, Workforce Wednesdays created a stronger foundation to help students connect present actions to future opportunities. “Professionally, I am walking away with a renewed perspective to guide my students toward viable, high-paying careers. Personally, I am walking away with a deep sense of pride in Caldwell County’s economic future and a commitment to helping our students discover the many opportunities available to them here in Caldwell County.”
Tomeka Lipford, Career Development Coordinator at Hibriten High School, entered the program after participating in previous Career and Technical Education industry experiences.
She wanted a better understanding of current labor market conditions and career opportunities available to students. “The most valuable thing I learned is that Caldwell County has a lot more to offer than many people know about.
”Lipford said the breadth of opportunities stood out. “Caldwell County has a very diverse job market and some hidden gems that our students don’t even know exist.”
Among the industries that changed her perspective the most was pharmaceutical and life sciences.
“Our students have the opportunity to train at our community college in biopharma technology and then pursue a good-paying job in the pharmaceutical industry without leaving home.”
Lipford already started applying what she learned from these visits.
She plans to continue sharing career information through intentional conversations with students and teachers and hopes to create additional opportunities that include:
Lipford believes teacher engagement is essential because educators often know students’ strengths, interests, and challenges better than anyone. “A lot of kids think they have to leave Caldwell County to find a great career, but they can actually build a fantastic life here.”
“When teachers know what local employers are looking for, we can do a much better job preparing students for a successful future.”
As someone who does not live in Caldwell County, she noted that Workforce Wednesdays gave her firsthand knowledge that now lets her speak with greater confidence about local industries and training pathways. That confidence carried into how she approaches students and future conversations.
Jon White, a teacher at West Caldwell High, joined Workforce Wednesdays after encouragement from his wife, who had previously participated. At the same time, he was preparing to teach Economics and Personal Finance and saw the program as an opportunity to gather practical information for students.
His biggest takeaway was simple. “There are plenty of opportunities for my students right here in Caldwell County.”
White said he had not realized how many career paths existed locally. He was especially impressed by pharmaceutical manufacturing. “I did not realize how important our county was in this industry.”
What stood out most was the direct connection between employment opportunities and local training options. “We have the training programs they need right at our own community college.” White immediately began bringing those insights into student conversations. “I have already been sharing with my students about the new career opportunities I have been learning about.”
He plans to build lessons around local industries and invite professionals into the classroom.
White emphasized that visiting employers in person created a much deeper understanding than reading about careers online. “Actually being able to go into these places and talk with their people gave me a much better understanding that I could share.”
He also highlighted the role CCC&TI plays in helping students move from interest to employment. As students explored career options, educators learned how local training programs align with employer needs.
White said the experience left him with a renewed appreciation for his community and practical ways to help students navigate future decisions. That perspective also reinforced the value of local programs in guiding students forward. “This experience gave me a newfound appreciation of where I live. We tend to take for granted the places most familiar to us as we get comfortable in life. This experience helped reconnect with my home and remember that Caldwell County is a great place to be from, as well as a great place to stay.”
Across all three educator experiences, several common themes emerged. Those shared takeaways made the program’s impact clearer.
Teachers gained firsthand exposure to industries many had not fully understood. They learned how local employers define readiness for work. They saw how CCC&TI programs connect to available careers. Most importantly, they returned to classrooms with examples students can use right away.
Workforce Wednesdays created a direct connection between education and employment by equipping educators with current workforce knowledge and practical career guidance tools. That connection carried forward into the benefits for students and the county.
That connection benefits students today and supports Caldwell County’s future workforce.
Caldwell County employers, educators, and community partners all play a role in helping students understand local career opportunities.
Whether we’re celebrating art, butterflies, blackberries, BBQ or wine, the calendar is full of Southern charm.
Explore scenic vistas, historical sites, art, breweries, wineries, eateries and more along this world famous route.
Explore the Caldwell County Itinerary for food, shopping, highlights, lodging and adventures! We invite locals and visitors to delight in the journey and the destination.
The Blue Ridge foothills, Pisgah National Forest and Wilson Creek are our playgrounds for biking, off-roading, watersports, hiking, hunting, fishing and camping.
Move right into one of our existing manufacturing buildings. The infrastructure is in place and a trained workforce is ready.
Record numbers of new businesses and industries have registered in Caldwell: 250-500 each year since 2018. The CCC&TI Business Center is ready to assist.
Caldwell County ranked 20th out of North Carolina’s 100 counties for wage growth in 2023. Since 2015, wages have grown an impressive 51.5%.
Life in Caldwell County can be full of adventure. Spend the day exploring parks, mountains, whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and biking.
NC has increased production of renewables by nearly 52%, double the average of all 50 states
Caldwell County is building on its historic manufacturing legacy while embracing the industries of tomorrow. With affordability, a strategic location, and a skilled workforce, the county is a prime destination for business growth and investment.
Caldwell County has the most extensive collection of permanent public outdoor sculptures per capita in the U.S. Our annual Sculpture Celebration is the largest in the South.
CCED works closely with CCC&TI and local manufacturers to meet the workforce needs of employers.
Powered by an economy that has hit its stride and turbocharged by a track record of innovation, Caldwell County is the best of NC.
