Caldwell County is Dedicated to Workforce Training

North Carolina ranks No.12 for Workforce in CNBC’s rankings, and Caldwell County is a major factor in that equation. As Caldwell County’s economy has evolved and diversified, new companies have discovered our workers’ furniture-making skills translate to other types of manufacturing. Additionally, our area workforce development partners are dedicated to developing any other required skills. Our labor pool is over 172,000 strong.

Caldwell County is a recognized workforce development standout in North Carolina — the state that pioneered customized job training for new and expanding businesses more than 40 years ago. 

America’s Best Community College-Based Job Training

North Carolina’s community college-based job training is considered the best of its kind. The state-sponsored program is administered through the 58-campus North Carolina Community College System, including our Caldwell Community College & Technology Institute (CCC&TI). Caldwell County Economic Development (CCED) works closely with CCC&TI and local manufacturers to meet local workforce needs. 

Caldwell Community College & Technology Institute

Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) offers a full range of programs that can be customized to meet a company’s specific training needs for skilled or semi-skilled workers. In most cases, training is free to qualifying businesses and can be taught on the college campus or at the employer’s workplace. 

CCC&TI’s Information Technology curriculum was developed for Google in 2008, kicking off the first of dozens of subsequent on-demand workforce training programs developed for Caldwell’s industries. Recent offerings include a Pharmaceutical Tech program, welding and trucking. The Paul H. Broyhill Center for Advanced Technologies and the CCC&TI Electric Lineworker facilities have recently opened.

State apprenticeship programs are run through CCC&TI. Students who qualify for the apprenticeship receive $2,000 for upfront costs to help them buy required equipment, etc. Their salary is reimbursed 50 percent for nearly a year, a strong advantage for employers. 

“The education pipeline continues with our community colleges and universities that are central to the educated workforce of the future. In every corner of our state, community colleges are coordinating directly with local industry and workforce development boards. They’re creating hands-on training programs that help their graduates cross the stage with a degree or credential and a job offer in hand. I’ve worked with . . . legislators in a bipartisan way to make sure people can get this training through Longleaf Commitment grants, Finish Line grants and other community college funding. Let’s keep at it.” - NC Governor Cooper

Career Readiness Begins in our Middle and High Schools

Serving over 10,000 students, Caldwell County’s public school system is recognized statewide for its innovative approach, faculty excellence and exceptional test scores. Modern learning facilities feature computer labs and “smart technology rooms,” and the percentage of nationally board-certified teachers is among the highest in the state. Caldwell County Schools Career and Technical Education (CTE) is designed to equip students for the real world and is aligned with the workforce needs of our area. 

Additionally, the innovative Caldwell Early College High School and Caldwell Applied Sciences Academy — located on the Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute (CCC&TI) campus —  puts students on a fast track to college degrees and marketable skills.

CaldWELL PREPARED