Workforce Overview
North Carolina pioneered innovation in workforce, from the nation’s first public university to launching the first customized training program.
Workforce & Education
Workforce &
Education
Education
Discover the #1 Workforce in the Country
A region’s economic success is dependent on its workforce, and North Carolina’s workforce is consistently ranked as one of the best in the nation. In fact, North Carolina's ranking as the Top State for Business in 2022 and 2023 is in part due to the collaborative nature of its workforce development partners and because of our continued investments into our state’s workforce institutions’ abilities to meet industry demands.
Get the White PaperIt's not hard to find talented, skilled and educated workers in North Carolina. Our diverse workforce is closely tied to the state’s top-tier universities and 58-school-strong community college system.
165,000+
Postsecondary Degree Recipients Each Year
52
Colleges and Universities
58
Community Colleges
20,000+
Military Personnel Entering the Workforce Annually
31,000+
STEM Degrees Conferred Annually
3
Tier-1 Research Universities
11
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Top State for Workforce
North Carolina was first in the workforce category of CNBC’s Top State for Business index in 2023. We attract, retain, and produce skilled labor in industries like advanced manufacturing, life sciences, financial services, clean energy, and more.
Top Talent is Polished by a Top Education
Elite higher education institutions power our workforce. North Carolina has 52 colleges and universities (3 of which are Tier- 1 research universities) and 58 community colleges. The state also has the highest historically Black colleges and university enrollment in the country.
Incentives to Develop Your Workforce
North Carolina provides robust resources for workforce development. New and existing companies can qualify for customized training grants and use the NCWorks Workforce Development network for a variety of recruiting and job training services.
4th Largest Military Population in the Nation
20,000 of North Carolina’s active-duty military population (nation’s 4th largest) re-enters the workforce annually and has in-demand experience in fields such as engineering, IT, healthcare, communications, research and more.
Featured Resources
View All Resources
Publication
Publication
North Carolina Overview Brochure
Largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast & the lowest corporate income tax in the US. No wonder North Carolina is where businesses thrive.
Contact Us
The EDPNC helps businesses large and small succeed in North Carolina. For assistance, fill out the form and a member of our team will be in touch.
Get in Touch
