Charlotte Works was thrilled to participate in the recent Skilled Trades for America Forum. Part of the Business Roundtable’s national initiative, the event took place on May 27 at Central Piedmont Community College’s (CPCC) Levine Campus. The forum brought together top CEOs, policymakers, and workforce…
At the recent NCWorks Commission meeting, Charlotte Works Director of Business Engagement Andrew Davila and NCWorks/Equus Business Solutions Manager Abi Vega joined representatives from Duke Energy to discuss the growing impact of their collaborative partnership. The presentation focused on a shared mission: expanding work-based learning…
On May 13, we joined Central Piedmont Community College, our NextGen Out of School Youth provider, to celebrate the graduation of their Workforce Scholars! This ceremony honored our incredible NextGen Out-of-School Youth, alongside graduates from Central Piedmont’s Accelerated Career Training and SECU Bridge to Career…
Another full house at our May 12th Chase Bank Small Business Info Session! More than 50 entrepreneurs and small business owners gathered at the NCWorks Career Center to gain valuable financial insights, connect one-on-one with Chase experts Justin Hurst and Shakeria Tennort, and explore grant opportunities and business…
Derek Murphy had a lifelong dream of obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). However, his ambitions were temporarily sidelined by a selfless commitment to his family. Derek enrolled in the NCWorks Adult program in October 2025, but his aunt fell ill and he put his…
When layoffs hit local staples like Family Dollar, the impact ripples through the entire community. Our goal at Charlotte Works is to make sure those transitions don’t turn into long-term unemployment. We recently hosted a Rapid Response event specifically for impacted Family Dollar employees, and…
Across the Carolinas, the job market is hitting a historic mark. Last month, Mecklenburg County saw over 54,000 job postings, the highest single-month volume in more than two years. Yet for college graduates of the Class of 2026, these thousands of opportunities can sometimes feel…
Have you noticed your paycheck doesn’t seem to stretch as far as it used to, especially when you pull up to the gas station? You aren’t alone. The government recently released its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers that track inflation. The headline? Prices…
Artificial intelligence is shaping hiring and work in a complex future of work environment. The challenge is not only about which jobs may change, but whether people can still move into good jobs through strong career pathways. Young people still need the fundamentals that have…
Charlotte Works Workforce Development is required to make copies of the proposed Charlotte Works Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plan available to the public and allow for public comment. The PY26 plan is available via the link below: Charlotte Works will make the…
Duke Energy partnered with Road to Hire and Charlotte Works to build a stronger talent pipeline by introducing an IT Apprenticeship Program. “The Charlotte Works partnership equips newly hired Duke Energy IT Apprentices with additional mentorship, support, and resources, ensuring they have a strong foundation…
Effective leadership is regarded as fundamental to cultivating a resilient and lasting organizational culture at Coca-Cola Consolidated. The company advocates for both inspirational and servant leadership, maintaining that prioritizing employee support and meeting their needs fosters trust, enhances engagement, and promotes ongoing development. “Strategic partnerships…
The economy works best when it works for everyone. Charlotte’s workforce ecosystem is rich with talent, employers, and possibility. At Charlotte Works, our role is to ensure that every job seeker can see a clear path forward and that every employer can confidently access the…
In April 2024, Cameryn enrolled in the NextGen at Central Piedmont Community College. The program was a perfect fit to help her overcome unemployment, housing challenges, and legal issues. Upon her arrival, she had a clear goal: to pursue a career in the medical field….
When Janyla joined the NextGen Youth Career Pathways Program during her 10th-grade year at Harding University High School, she was seeking more than just a résumé boost—she was searching for direction. Known for being temperamental and quick to anger, Janyla often found herself in conflict…
The Challenge Morgan Sheridan was eager to begin her career but struggled to find an entry point into the professional world. She needed support to gain the experience and skills necessary to advance. How We Helped Charlotte Works connected Morgan with a professional opportunity at…
Hands-On Learning for STEAM Careers On October 23, the 6th Annual iamSTEAMCLT Youth Career Expo welcomed 365 students and 40 educators for a high-energy, hands-on experience focused on careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Opportunities Beyond Information Local businesses and community organizations provided…
The Challenge Courtney Allen was a seasoned professional as a Service Team Member at State Farm Insurance, but she had a bigger goal: to advance her career and eventually start her own agency. What she needed was a clear, structured path to get there. How…
On Friday, September 19, 2025, Charlotte Works successfully hosted the strategic, invite-only 2025 Workforce Summit, “Working Together to Build the Future Workforce” bringing together over 100 employers, training providers, civic leaders, and system partners. Held at Central Piedmont Community College’s Harris Campus, the summit served…
Request for Proposals Charlotte Works is currently accepting proposals to use federal, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds for the out-of-school youth program. Interested parties can find the RFP applications with instructions and deadline information here: Out of School Youth RFP for 2026.. Complete…
When you launch a business in Charlotte, you quickly learn the difference between being a visionary and being an operator. You love your craft, but the reality is you spend most days juggling receipts, answering emails, trying to hire talent, and frantically trying to keep…
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Charlotte Works, Mecklenburg County’s workforce development board, announced a partnership with AssetMark Financial Holdings Inc. to help connect local talent to the company’s newly announced East Coast hub in Uptown Charlotte. AssetMark, a leading wealth management platform for financial advisors, has…
Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report shows that declining engagement last year cost the world economy $438 billion in lost productivity. That loss has triggered a chain reaction: executives lean harder on managers, managers push for visible performance gains, and one of the fastest…
As we begin a new program year, I want to take a moment to reaffirm who we are and why we do this work. At Charlotte Works, we remain rooted in our mission to engage our community, empower individuals, and employ those ready to work….
Press Release: Seventh “Job Fair of the Carolinas” set for May 6th at Carowinds In a regional job market, businesses recruit across county and state lines, and jobseekers travel across those same lines to find job opportunities. The greater Charlotte area is a prime example…
In our most recent business newsletter and on X, we asked local employees to describe their company culture in two words. The top response was clear: “Transactional and Superficial.” This echoes a deeper truth long understood but rarely spoken aloud in the workplace that we…
Charlotte Works Workforce Development is required to make copies of the proposed Charlotte Works Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plan available to the public and allow for public comment. The PY24-25 plan is available via the link below: Charlotte Works will make the…
At the core of Mecklenburg County, there’s a rhythm of niche career and skilled talent, pulsing through warehouses, medical offices, and emerging tech corridors. Over a third of the county’s workforce, people not with four-year degrees but with high school diplomas or associate degrees, power…
Charlotte Works Releases RFP for 2025 Workforce Summit Project Management and Strategic Planning Charlotte Works is excited to announce the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) for project management and strategic planning services for the 2025 Workforce Summit. We are seeking qualified organizations to…
In Mecklenburg County, the question of talent supply is one we encounter frequently, and the truth is not always what businesses want to hear. Many of our best available measures are, in reality, imperfect proxies—shadowy reflections that don’t fully capture the specific needs of employers….
What’s Happening: Workforce and Economic Updates Welcome to the first edition of our workforce and economic updates. Our goal is to keep you informed by sharing the latest local and national news related to workforce and economic development. Stay tuned as we bring you important…
The End of the American Dream? The Increasing Difficulty of Buying a Home and How This Relates to the Workforce Homeownership in the U.S. has long been a cornerstone of wealth building, driven by the appreciation of property values and the steady accumulation of equity….
Do Return-to-Office Mandates Improve Company Performance? Introduction The mandate from employers is clear: “Show up or ship out.” With layoffs on the rise and no sign of retreating from return-to-office plans, the power pendulum has swung decisively back to employers. Recent data suggests that over…
“While we understand that a good job is no longer sufficient, recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics also illustrates that a solid education does not guarantee a secure career. This revelation jolts the foundational myths of our economic narrative, exposing a chasm between…
Charlotte Works Workforce Development is required to make copies of the proposed Charlotte Works Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plan available to the public and allow for public comment. The PY24-25 plan is available via the link below: Charlotte Works will make the…
AI’s Growing Influence on Charlotte’s Workforce: Insights and Action Steps In a joint research project with the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, Charlotte Works recently shared a presentation with the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council on March 8th, providing a comprehensive overview of Artificial Intelligence’s (AI) impact…
Mecklenburg County Hiring Slows Down The recent occupation spotlights highlight significant labor market shifts in Mecklenburg County in demand for various roles. Analyzing job postings and salary changes between 2022 and 2023 shows a significant drop in hiring over this time. This uncovers some compelling…
Workforce Evolution: 2024 Trends for a Future-Proof Workplace and Career As we enter 2024, the world of work keeps changing, bringing both challenges and chances. At Charlotte Works, we are always keeping an eye on these changes. Here are some of the key trends we…
Following an extensive nationwide search, the Charlotte Works Board of Directors proudly announces the appointment of Anna London as the President & Chief Executive Officer of Charlotte Works, effective immediately. Charlotte Works, Mecklenburg County’s beacon for workforce development, is dedicated to ensuring our region boasts…
In today’s rapidly evolving world, workforce development is more critical than ever before. Traditional assumptions about education, skills, and employment are being challenged by a changing economic landscape, technological advances, and shifting societal values. This thought leadership piece aims to challenge these assumptions through…
With declining productivity at record lows not seen since 1983 many leaders have come called for workers to be more productive and taken action to increase productivity. While it is true that productivity has declined since its peak in 2021, productivity is still significantly higher than…
It has been over three years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic when workforce levels across the country dropped. Today, employment levels have reached and exceeded their pre-pandemic levels. When we look at the time it took for these numbers to recover, we see…
We are thrilled to announce the release of our comprehensive “Employer Toolkit for Working Parents.” This invaluable resource has been carefully designed to empower businesses in fostering a supportive and family-friendly work environment. Within this toolkit, you will find a wealth of essential tools to…
The United States of America is one of the leading economies in the world, which is largely attributed to its expansive, diverse, and skilled workforce. Federal, state, and local governments have made significant investments in workforce development to ensure that the nation’s labor force is…
As technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force across various industries. From automation to data analysis, AI is revolutionizing the way we work. Job seekers and businesses alike need to understand the impact of AI…
Do people really just not want to work today, or is it something else? Prospect Theory is a behavioral economics theory that helps explain why people often make irrational decisions to avoid perceived losses over realizing small gains, even at the risk of unemployment. When…
Charlotte Works, the workforce development board serving Mecklenburg County, announces the resignation of Danielle Frazier, President and CEO, effective July 28, 2023. After 15 years of dedicated service to Charlotte Works, Frazier leaves behind a legacy of organizational growth and impact. “It has been an…
Mental health in the workplace is a growing concern for many employees and employers alike. With the increasing pressure to perform, meet deadlines, and manage high workloads, more and more people are experiencing stress and anxiety on the job. The negative effects of these conditions…
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, many workers are finding themselves needing to switch careers. This may be due to industry disruption, changes in personal interests, or a desire for greater job security. Whatever the reason, transitioning to a new career can be challenging, especially…
Taeisha Legardy was a justice-involved job seeker looking for assistance in securing employment in Charlotte, NC. She heard about a job opening at Mr. Refurbisher Auto Mobile Detailing through a referral from the Center for Community Transitions and soon discovered the employer was working with…
NCWorks Career Center held an Open House on April 25th. Charlotte Works celebrated 25 years of serving Mecklenburg County residents and businesses through NCWorks programs and services by hosting the event at the new NCWorks facility. This space provides comprehensive services for connecting Mecklenburg County…
The labor force is constantly evolving, with new trends emerging as technology, demographics, and economic conditions change. In this article, we will explore some key trends in the labor force and provide strategies for employees and employers to navigate these changes. Baby Boomers Retiring One…
Charlotte Works Workforce Development is required to make copies of the proposed Charlotte Works Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plan available to the public and allow for public comment. The PY23-24 plan is available via the link below: Charlotte Works will make the…
To make a talent connection today, businesses frequently recruit across various county and state lines, and jobseekers often travel across those same lines to find work. Nowhere is a regional job market more evident than in the greater Charlotte area. To meet the needs of…
Attract and Retain Employees With One Change As the workforce development board serving Mecklenburg County, we want to help employers attract and retain talent and help job seekers gain meaningful employment. In this article, we are going to talk about a recent study that has…
Read about Charlotte Works’ accomplishments and successes in Program Year 2021 here!
After many years with the same company, Caroline Mensa was part of a workplace downsizing that left her in a mid-life career transition. On August 16, 2022, she realized that her previous job search method, which included applying for a job she had heard about…
Transferable Skills to Succeed in Any Career As the workforce development board serving Mecklenburg County, we believe that every job seeker can develop the skills necessary to become competitive and productive members of the workforce. While many jobs require skills specific to that role, there…
8601 McAlpine Park Drive Suite 130 Charlotte, NC 28211 Attn: Danielle Frazier, President & CEO Charlotte Works is currently accepting proposals to use federal, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA Title I) funds for the in-school youth program, out-of-school youth program and NCWorks Career Center…
Understanding the “Living Wage” Update It’s been around three years since our original article, Understanding the “Living Wage”, was published. This article continues to be very popular. Since a lot has changed since then, we wanted to give an update on the living wage in…
Quiet Quitting and How to Minimize It at Your Business Quiet quitting is the new trend that many are talking about. It’s been getting so much attention that even U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh has mentioned it. Some would have you believe this new trend…
A Look at the Workforce Demographics in Mecklenburg County As the workforce development board serving Mecklenburg County, we want to help create a thriving workforce system that generates economic prosperity for all. If you’re a local employer or policymaker, it can help to know the…
WORKING PARENTS SURVEY In the spring of 2022, Goodwill Industries of Southern Piedmont and Charlotte Works conducted a survey of working parents in the greater Charlotte region to better understand how to support working parents in their return to the workforce after the height of the COVID-19…
On July 1, 2022, the NCWorks Career Center will consolidate its services in Mecklenburg County to its location at 8601 McAlpine Park Drive, Suite 110, in Charlotte. After June 24, 2022, the location at 7140 Forest Point Blvd. in Charlotte will no longer be operational,…
Tipped Workers in America How Tipping Started and What It Looks Like in Mecklenburg County We tip when we get food, we tip when we get drinks. When we think it’s great service, we give more; when we think it’s poor service, we give less….
Charlotte Works Workforce Development is required to make copies of the proposed Charlotte Works Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plan available to the public and allow for public comment. The PY22-23 plan is available via the link below: Please submit comments or suggestions to info@charlotteworks.com…
7 Ways Employers Can Help With Inflation – Without Giving Raises Easing the burden of inflation on employees A newly released survey showed that the main reason U.S. workers left a job in 2021 was because of low pay. In addition, the February CPI report…
Tax Season: Resources to Help You File this Year As the workforce development board serving Mecklenburg County, we understand that job seeker success requires holistic service. External barriers outside our scope of services including utility needs, transportation, child care, social-emotional support, and more can all…
There isn’t a talent shortage; there is a shortage of employer creativity by: Kevin Loux, Chief Impact Officer, Charlotte Works & Raquel Lynch, Chief Program Officer, Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont With over 4 million Americans quitting their job in August, September, and…
Carolina Impact: Worker Shortage and Social Media, WTVI Forward Together: Mecklenburg County fueling region’s growth, Charlotte Business Journal County works to help tent city residents find jobs and permanent housing, WSOC-TV Charlotte agencies help unemployed find work during pandemic, WSOC-TV The Ongoing Plague of Unemployment,…
Charlotte Works is partnering with the City of Charlotte on an Employment Survey to better understand the needs and challenges for Charlotte residents around finding and securing employment. Your answers will help the City of Charlotte and Charlotte Works develop better job creation methods,…
Our NextGen program continues to help young adults reach their goals. Merary Lopez, a mother of one, started working with NextGen Youth Business Solutions Consultant Doneisha Wilson in November 2019. Lopez’s goal was to work at Atrium Health. Through our partnership with Central Piedmont, she…
It’s been more than six months and the country is still reeling from the national impact of the global pandemic. In that time, the unemployment rate has risen to over 13% and fallen back down to 7%; but the recovery has not been distributed evenly….
Struggling to find work in your industry? Map a new career pathway using your existing skills! Since Mid-March, millions have filed for unemployment, including 36 million Americans, almost 1 million North Carolinians, and an estimated 100,000 Mecklenburg County residents. If you are one of the…
NCWorks Navigation English and Spanish available (Monday and Wednesday- 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m./Spanish available Tuesday and Thursday-1:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.) Do you need help creating your NCWorks profile? Would you like to learn how to search for your new career online? If you answered YES, then please…
Hi, everyone: The last two weeks have brought a great deal of pain, hurt, anger, frustration, and even death. Unlike the COVID-19 pandemic, the pandemic of systemic racism has been with us for centuries and has most recently claimed three more lives – Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna…
Did you know that we have a resource page set up on our website with job seeker assistance and business resources? More info here: https://www.charlotteworks.com/status/
As the workforce development board serving Mecklenburg County, Charlotte Works leads the way in connecting job seekers and employers, providing skills training and work opportunities for youth and adults, analyzing and sharing data to educate the public on workforce needs, and aligning community partners around…
Charlotte Works Workforce Development is required to make copies of the proposed Charlotte Works Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) plan available to the public and allow for public comment. The 4-year plan is available via the link below: Please submit comments or suggestions…
Read about Charlotte Works’ accomplishments and successes in Program Year 2018 here!
We are moving April 17, 2020! Charlotte Works and NCWorks will open our new office space located at 8601 McAlpine Park Drive, Charlotte, NC 28211. This new facility will house our NCWorks Career Center in Suite 110, one of our NCWorks NextGen youth programs in…
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The rapid advancement of technology and its integration into everyday tasks are changing the demands of skill development. Burning Glass Technologies analyzed skill demand through jobs postings from across the country and developed a new framework of skills titled “New Foundational Skills of the Digital…
Update: 10.31.22 – Updated Living Wage Post The Living Wage has sparked intense debate as national conversations around wage growth show that while the economy has soared since the recession, worker’s wages have not[1]. The minimum wage of $7.25 per hour has not increased since 2009[2],…
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Shemia Williams, workforce development advocate, has been named Director of Programs for Charlotte Works effective February 2019. The role was previously held by new Chief Operating Officer, Anna London. Charlotte Works, Mecklenburg County’s workforce development board, ensures the growing region has a skilled workforce that…
Charlotte Works’ Labor Market Review is a summary of Mecklenburg County’s labor market describing work and labor force trends, including most common occupations posted for, top employers hiring, and unemployment statistics. The report lists the top occupations, credentials, and skills in demand for each of…
Deciding on a career pathway before graduating high school can be one of the greatest challenges in the minds of high school seniors. MeckEd student Aaron Nguyen graduated from Independence High School in 2018, but before he walked across the stage, he was already set…
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Anna London, workforce champion and advocate for individuals in need, has been named Chief Operating Officer for Charlotte Works effective immediately. The role was previously held by new CEO and President, Danielle Frazier. 6 gym workouts for beginners (how to train in a gym) deca…
The national unemployment rate is at an historic low indicating a booming economy and ample employment opportunities. For those seeking a job, this is great news. Unfortunately for employers, low unemployment translates into a tight labor market making it increasingly difficult to find and hire workers for…
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Danielle Frazier, a longtime leader in workforce development, will take the role of President & Chief Executive Officer of Charlotte Works, effective immediately. Charlotte Works, Mecklenburg County’s workforce development board, endeavors to ensure the growing Charlotte region has a skilled workforce to meet the…
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The average high school teens are worried about their immediate future, but Vance High School student Khamiah Alderman is looking down the road past college and medical school. Despite facing obstacles, Khamiah is working hard to achieve her dreams. From holding over a 4.0 GPA,…