North Carolina has been named the top state for workforce development in 2026 by Site Selection magazine. Governor Josh Stein marked the occasion during a visit to Machine Specialties Inc. (MSI) in Whitsett, highlighting recent investments and recommendations from the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.
“North Carolina’s strength is our people,” said Governor Josh Stein. “They power our economy. North Carolina is already the top state for business; now we are the top state for workforce. In 2025, North Carolina had our best year of job announcements ever. We must continue to invest in our people and expand pathways that prepare more people for the career opportunities being built here. With strategic leadership from my Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, North Carolina will not be outworked when it comes to workforce development.”
Site Selection used factors such as workforce credentials, degrees, and labor productivity to rank states. North Carolina placed first, followed by Utah and Illinois.
N.C. Department of Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, who co-chairs the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, said: “North Carolina’s talented people give us our competitive edge, and our workforce system is increasingly aligned with economic development to meet the needs of growing, innovative businesses. The Department of Commerce, NCWorks Career Centers, local workforce boards, universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, and industry partners have strong relationships that promote skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow, helping people succeed in every corner of North Carolina.”
Senator Eddie Settle added: “This recognition shows what’s possible when we align education, workforce training, and the real needs of employers. Through the Council’s work, we are focused on practical, results-driven strategies that expand apprenticeships, strengthen work-based learning, and open doors for more North Carolinians to secure good jobs. Workforce development is economic development, and this ranking confirms we’re moving in the right direction.”
N.C. Commerce Assistant Secretary for Workforce Solutions Andrea DeSantis noted: “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, and the employment and training support we provide can increase economic mobility for individuals, families, and communities. North Carolina is fortunate to have innovative workforce programs that connect talent to jobs with thousands of partnering employers.”
Dr. Jeffrey Cox from NC Community College System stated: “North Carolina’s community colleges sit at the intersection of education and industry. 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.”
Maurice “Mo” Green from public instruction said: “This workforce development ranking reflects the strength of North Carolina’s educational continuum starting with our public schools,” adding that recent years saw historic graduation rates along with high levels of students earning college credits while still in high school.
University of North Carolina President Peter Hans commented: “The world-class UNC System is one of North Carolina’s most important strategic assets providing cutting-edge instruction and research that power our dynamic workforce… We are proud to continue expanding access to higher education preparing future leaders…”
Site Selection’s full rankings are available at https://siteselection.com/2026-workforce-development-rankings-bright-horizons/.
Governor Stein’s administration has introduced several initiatives supporting educational attainment and job readiness throughout 2025:
– The Governor established his Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships via Executive Order No. 11 within NCWorks Commission.
– A task force was created addressing affordable child care across North Carolina.
– Federal grants helped western regions recover after Hurricane Helene by funding temporary jobs.
– NCWorks served about 84,000 jobseekers through its statewide centers during 2024–2025.
– Policies were approved requiring local boards spend a minimum percentage on apprenticeships.
– Veterans’ employment was promoted through participation in federal recognition programs.
– Partnerships like those between MSI—an active participant in regional apprenticeship consortia—and technical colleges highlighted hands-on approaches connecting residents with manufacturing careers.
David Storey at MSI explained: “At MSI apprenticeships are central… Nearly one-third of our employees are current or former apprentices… We’re also proud of our reentry efforts which give people a second chance…”
The Governor’s Council brings together officials across sectors aiming at aligning strategies so employers find skilled workers while residents gain paths toward stable careers.
In December 2025 an end-of-year report detailed new strategies including advancing employer engagement in advanced manufacturing as well as public awareness campaigns.
Since January 2025 over $24 billion has been invested into business expansions or new projects announced by Governor Stein resulting in more than 35,000 new jobs—a record year according to official statements from the Office of the Governor. The office dates back to 1776 as the state’s oldest executive branch, responsible for enforcing laws statewide while leading policy decisions including budget management.
Additional information about ongoing operations can be found at the governor’s official website.