NC named #1 for workforce development
Site Selection magazine has named North Carolina tops in the U.S. for workforce development.
“If you’re ready to graduate your company’s operations to the next level on a foundation of skills and talent, North Carolina is a good place to enroll,” the magazine wrote, in an article on Monday explaining the publication’s 2026 Workforce Development Rankings.
“Site Selection rankings published throughout the year use the publication’s Conway Projects Database of corporate end-user facility investment projects to take the measure of regional economic development agencies. So it only makes sense that any measure of state workforce development take into account that workforce’s prowess, whether measured by credentials, certificates and degrees; technical skills and productivity; or something equally important to employee and employer alike: return on investment,” the magazine wrote.
N.C. Gov. Josh Stein celebrated this ranking during a visit to Machine Specialties Inc. (MSI) in Whitsett, where he highlighted the state’s workforce investments and the recent recommendations of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships.
“North Carolina’s strength is our people. They power our economy. North Carolina is already the top state for business; now we are the top state for workforce,” Stein said. “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.”
Sec. of Commerce Lee Lilly agreed.
“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,” said Lilly, who is also a co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships. “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.”
North Carolina Biotechnology Center supports a host of workforce development and training programs aimed at life sciences. The programs include certificate and degree programs, training and apprenticeship programs, and programs that work with transitioning veterans.
"North Carolina's commitment to its workforce is demonstrated in its year-over-year investments in training infrastructure as well as strategic workforce development collaborations like NCBioImpact," said Laura Rowley, Ph.D., vice president, life sciences economic development, NCBiotech. "Our state is dedicated to meeting employer needs and creating accessible pathways to fulfilling life sciences careers for all North Carolinians."
For highlights of the workforce development efforts NCBiotech supports, visit here.
See these recent articles about life sciences workforce development in N.C.:
Wake Tech reveals design for Apex campus | North Carolina Biotechnology Center
Wilson Community College shares first look at training center | North Carolina Biotechnology Center