Workforce
North Carolina is one of the Best States for Business in the Nation
- Lowest corporate tax in the U.S. at 2.5%
- #1 Best State for Business - Forbes 2017, 2018, 2019
- #1 Largest Manufacturing Workforce in the Southeast
- #2 Top Competitive State and State Business Climate - Site Selection 2018, 2020
- #3 Competitive Labor Environment - Area Development 2019
- 2nd Lowest Unionization Rate in the U.S. at 2.6%
- 3rd Largest Military Workforce in the Nation, with 19,000 entering the workforce each year
- Right-to-Work State
Regional Workforce: 81,681
(NC Counties of Ashe, Alleghany, Watauga, Wilkes, and Grayson County, VA)
There are numerous educational resources to prepare or hone the skills of the existing workforce. At Appalachian State University engineering, computer science, supply chain, and other related degrees are offered. At Wilkes Community College engineering, CNC, electronics systems technology, machining, robotics, and other programs are offered.
A Customized Training Program (CTP) is available through NCWorks. The CTP offers pre-employment assistance, instruction, as well as facilities, training equipment, and customized materials.
