North Carolina Launches Statewide Apprenticeship Initiative Following Governor’s Workforce Executive Order
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North Carolina workforce boards are receiving specialized training to integrate Registered Apprenticeship programs throughout the state’s workforce system, following Governor Josh Stein’s executive order setting a goal that six percent of federal workforce funds support apprenticeship opportunities. The partnership between the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards and nationally recognized consultancy Safal Partners aims to dramatically expand access to paid training programs that lead to economic mobility for workers and skilled talent pipelines for employers.
TL;DR
North Carolina workforce boards selected Safal Partners to provide statewide technical assistance for integrating Registered Apprenticeship programs into the workforce system
Governor Josh Stein's March 2025 Executive Order 11 set a goal requiring six percent of $66.3 million in federal WIOA funds support apprenticeship opportunities
Current data shows only 0.03 percent of workforce system participants are co-enrolled in WIOA and Registered Apprenticeship programs, representing massive growth potential
Registered Apprenticeship participants earn an average $400,000 more over their careers than non-apprentices, with 90 percent or higher five-year employer retention rates
The systematic approach addresses workforce policy, staff training, stakeholder engagement, and funding coordination simultaneously rather than isolated improvements
Governor Stein created the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, which submitted eleven ambitious workforce development goals in June 2025
Safal Partners leads the U.S. Department of Labor's national Registered Apprenticeship Technical Assistance Center of Excellence, bringing proven models from other states
Comprehensive Statewide Partnership Addresses Workforce Development
The North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards has partnered with nationally recognized workforce consultancy Safal Partners to provide technical assistance and training that will integrate Registered Apprenticeship programs throughout the state’s workforce system. The announcement, made September 26, 2025, follows Governor Josh Stein’s March executive order establishing ambitious goals for workforce development and apprenticeship expansion across North Carolina. Governor Stein’s Executive Order 11, titled “Directing North Carolina’s Progress on Workforce Development,” set a target requiring six percent of federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I Youth and Adult funds be allocated to pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. North Carolina received $66.3 million in WIOA Title I funding, making this initiative a significant investment in building career pathways for the state’s workforce.
Technical Assistance and Training Across Multiple Sectors
The partnership brings together multiple stakeholders committed to transforming North Carolina’s approach to workforce development. The North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards selected Safal Partners based on the consultancy’s proven track record leading the U.S. Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Technical Assistance Center of Excellence. This national experience positions Safal Partners to help North Carolina workforce boards rapidly scale apprenticeship integration throughout the state. Safal Partners will deliver virtual, in-person, and hybrid training to NCAWDB members across several critical areas. The technical assistance focuses on developing apprenticeship-supportive workforce policies, training staff on Registered Apprenticeship integration, convening stakeholders from education and business sectors, and braiding funding from multiple sources to maximize resources. “We applaud NCAWDB for its leadership in equipping boards to meet Governor Stein’s goals for WIOA spending on Registered Apprenticeship,” said Katie Adams, Chief Delivery Officer at Safal Partners.
Author Quote"
This systematic approach to apprenticeship integration represents a significant evolution beyond isolated workforce programs. By simultaneously addressing policy, training, funding, and stakeholder alignment, North Carolina creates conditions for sustainable systems change that can transform how the state develops its talent pipeline.
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Proven Economic Outcomes and Systems Transformation
Research from Safal Partners’ work leading the national Center of Excellence reveals significant opportunities for growth in workforce system integration with apprenticeship programs. Current data shows only 0.03 percent of job seekers and workers served through the workforce system are co-enrolled in both WIOA and Registered Apprenticeship programs. This partnership aims to dramatically increase co-enrollment, which unlocks additional support for employers sponsoring programs and job seekers hired as apprentices. ApprenticeshipNC data demonstrates the value of well-implemented programs. Registered Apprenticeship participants show 90 percent or higher five-year retention rates with their employers, significantly above typical workforce development outcomes. Additionally, apprentices earn an average of $400,000 more over their careers compared to non-apprentices, representing substantial long-term economic mobility for participants. Governor Stein’s Executive Order 11 created the Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, co-chaired by Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley, State Senator Eddie Settle, and North Carolina Community College System President Dr. Jeff Cox. In June 2025, the Council submitted its first report outlining eleven ambitious workforce development goals, including ensuring two million North Carolinians aged 25-44 earn industry-valued credentials or degrees and doubling work-based learning experiences through the NCWorks system.
Key Takeaways:
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Six percent WIOA funding target: Governor Stein's March 2025 executive order directs that 6% of $66.3 million in federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds support pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs statewide
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Proven economic outcomes: Registered Apprenticeship participants earn an average of $400,000 more over their careers than non-apprentices, with 90% or higher five-year employer retention rates
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Systems transformation approach: Technical assistance covers workforce policy development, staff training, stakeholder engagement, and funding coordination—addressing multiple components simultaneously rather than isolated improvements
Replication Potential and Broader Implications
This statewide systematic approach represents a significant evolution in how states can tackle workforce development challenges. Rather than isolated programs or disconnected initiatives, North Carolina is building an integrated infrastructure that aligns policy, training, funding, and stakeholder engagement around a proven workforce development model. The technical assistance model is particularly noteworthy for its comprehensive scope. By simultaneously developing supportive policies, training staff, convening stakeholders, and coordinating funding streams, North Carolina creates conditions for sustainable systems change rather than temporary programmatic improvements. Other states seeking to expand apprenticeship integration can learn valuable lessons from North Carolina’s approach. First, the initiative benefits from clear executive leadership and specific quantifiable goals. Second, the partnership with Safal Partners leverages proven expertise rather than attempting to build capacity from scratch. Third, the collaborative structure involving state government, the community college system, workforce boards, and employers creates alignment across systems that often operate in silos. North Carolina’s model demonstrates how states can move beyond fragmented workforce initiatives toward comprehensive systems transformation, creating infrastructure for sustained improvement that will generate opportunities for years to come.
Author Quote"
The earn-while-you-learn apprenticeship model removes financial barriers that prevent many individuals from accessing quality training and career advancement. When properly implemented with strong employer partnerships, apprenticeship creates genuine economic mobility rather than simply short-term employment placements.
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North Carolina’s systematic workforce transformation demonstrates how state leadership, proven expertise, and multi-sector collaboration can create sustainable infrastructure for career pathway development. Rather than temporary programmatic fixes, this initiative builds capacity across workforce, education, and business systems that will continue generating opportunities long after the initial implementation phase. For education leaders interested in exploring how comprehensive workforce strategies can strengthen talent pipelines in their communities, discover research-based approaches through our All Access Program.
