State and Regional Programs Help Align Needs and Workforces

It’s undeniable that industry changes quickly. What is also undeniable is that academia doesn't always keep up. In industrial and advanced manufacturing, what's needed from the labor pool is the latest and greatest knowledge: the newest machining processes as well as up to the minute software and apps. To fill in where academic programs sometimes miss, states and regions will often bridge the gap to ensure that a steady stream of workers with the newest knowledge are readily available. 

In this article, Trade & Industry Development is highlighting a number of regions around the country that offer workforce training and education resources that are a match for both employers and jobseekers.

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Wyoming’s capital, Cheyenne, believes workforce development is a key component of the city’s growth strategy. While several institutions lead the charge, organizations like Cheyenne LEADS play an essential supporting role, working closely with local partners to advance training initiatives that align the workforce with organizations’ labor needs.

One of Cheyenne’s most influential training providers is Laramie County Community College (LCCC), which offers a range of programs in sectors such as healthcare, information technology and advanced manufacturing. LCCC works directly with businesses and industry leaders to ensure their programs align with local labor market needs. By tailoring these programs to industry demands, LCCC helps prepare residents for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Cheyenne LEADS complements these efforts by fostering connections between businesses and workforce training providers. LEADS actively promotes the use of the Wyoming Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF), which offers financial support for businesses to upskill their employees. This collaboration ensures that businesses have access to well-trained workers and the resources they need to remain competitive.

Additionally, through programs like Wyoming Works, Cheyenne LEADS helps raise awareness of opportunities for students to pursue certifications in high-demand fields. While not the primary driver of training programs, Cheyenne LEADS strengthens the region’s workforce ecosystem, helping position Cheyenne as a key player in Wyoming’s economic development by promoting collaboration and investment in workforce readiness. This collaborative approach ensures a sustainable future for Cheyenne. For more information, visit www.cheyenneleads.org.

Hillsboro, Oregon

Since 2017, the Hillsboro Advanced Manufacturing Training and Education Coalition of Hillsboro (AM-TECH) has brought together industry, education and government partners to collectively address the current and future workforce needs for employers in the Silicon Forest. 

 An industry-led coalition, AM-TECH supports high-growth, high-demand workforce needs to maintain and grow a skilled and diverse workforce. The coalition supports workforce programming for youth and historically marginalized community members. Through a collective strategy, AM-TECH has implemented two key initiatives, Oregon’s first registered Advanced Manufacturing Youth Apprenticeship program at the Hillsboro School District, and Intel’s QuickStart program at Portland Community College.  

The Advanced Manufacturing Youth Apprenticeship is an innovative, two-year program that provides a pathway for high school students, ages 16-18, to receive hands-on, paid training. The program prepares them for a career in advanced manufacturing while providing employers with an expanded and diversified skilled workforce. Students in various pathway programs can enroll in this program and graduate with a state-recognized industry credential.  

The Quick Start Semiconductor Technician Training program is a 10-day training course designed to help job seekers quickly gain the skills they need to land an entry-level technician job with Intel and other area semiconductor manufacturers. The program prioritizes recruiting and training historically underrepresented populations in the industry, including women, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities and people from low-income and rural communities. For more information, visit www.hillsboro-oregon.gov.

Jackson County, Florida

Research conducted by the Jackson County Economic Development Committee found that only half of high school graduates are enrolling in any kind of postsecondary training across Northwest Florida. This is concerning, since nearly 75 percent of the high-wage jobs require some type of postsecondary credential. Although the region has experienced a significant uptick in CTE enrollments, it is clear that more can and should be done to demonstrate workforce needs and clarify the value of the career paths available - particularly in the construction, transportation and manufacturing high-skill technical occupations.  

In Jackson County, multiple agencies are working closely together to devise plans and approaches to create a better pipeline of workforce talent. Of course, this has national attention at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, where a team has been conducting The Talent Pipeline Management Academy (tpmacademy.org) focused on bolstering effective alignment and demand-driven pipelines. The Jackson County Economic Development Committee is involved in connecting and serving the workforce and economic community in Northwest Florida. Chipola College offers 13 workforce programs, and CareerSource Chipola partners with the region’s businesses and schools to not only provide funding for tuition but offer a curriculum to penetrate the high schools and support the students in terms of evaluating their tendencies and skills inclinations, as well as inform them of the training and jobs available to them in the region. For more information, visit www.jacksonedc.com.

Johnston County, North Carolina

A fast-growing population with access to skill-building resources complements the geography and hard assets of Johnston County, North Carolina. The combination creates a highly attractive business destination. Good solid leadership has created what many believe is their greatest economic asset: their people. Talent drives today’s location choices, and Johnston County has stayed ahead of the game with innovative solutions to keep the workforce on the cutting-edge.

County leaders anticipated the need for workforce development more than two decades ago when local elected officials joined training experts at Johnston Community College and economic development leaders in building the 30,000-square-foot Biotechnology Workforce Development Center. This state-of-the-art facility has been the crown jewel of the talent transformation strategy in the region, especially with regard to the growth of biomanufacturer Grifols Therapeutics and insulin maker Novo Nordisk. The companies have donated most of the training equipment, making the classroom identical to what students will encounter when they move to the production floor. As a result, the center is preparing jobseekers for life science careers in a matter of weeks.

The Workforce Center also whets the appetites of middle school and high school students for life science careers, with outreach programs that get kids, parents and teachers thinking about the educational ingredients for bio-pharma success. However, the county’s talent pipeline strategy doesn’t stop there. Through “JoCo Works,” workforce leaders collaborate with public schools and Chambers of Commerce to connect students with viable career options across the manufacturing spectrum. The outreach begins as early as eighth grade and continues to students’ senior years in high school. For more information, visit www.growwithjoco.com.

Mobile, Alabama

When Airbus selected Mobile, Alabama, for its first U.S. aircraft assembly plant, it transformed the state’s aerospace sector. Supporting that growth from the ground up is AIDT’s Aviation Training Center — a facility purpose-built to deliver the precision training needed for aircraft manufacturing.

Launched in 2014, the center trains workers in skills essential for building A320 and A220 jets. From fuselage joining to quality control, trainees get hands-on experience with full-scale aircraft sections and advanced tooling systems, replicating real-world conditions.

Located at the Mobile Aeroplex at Brookley, the facility operates in close collaboration with Airbus and its global training experts to keep curriculum aligned with evolving needs. This ensures Alabama’s workforce remains competitive in a rapidly changing industry.

The center supports Airbus’ workforce development pipeline through pre-employment assessments, training sessions and post-hire instruction. Virtually all of Airbus’ 2,000 Alabama workers have passed through the center.

“Our partnership with the State of Alabama has been instrumental in building and empowering a world-class aerospace workforce right here in Mobile,” said Daryl Taylor with Airbus.

AIDT Director Ed Castile added, “This partnership continues to change lives and grow Alabama’s economy.”

As Airbus ramps up hiring for a 1,000-job expansion, the center remains a cornerstone of Alabama’s aerospace future — proof that when industry and government unite, workforce excellence follows, according to Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. Learn more at www.aidt.edu. 

Richland, Washington

Richland, Washington, is at a pivotal moment of growth, and workforce development is essential to sustaining its economic momentum. With expanding industries such as clean energy, technology and healthcare, equipping residents with the right skills is critical for the city’s long-term prosperity. Workforce development programs, including vocational training, apprenticeships and continuous education, ensure that residents are ready to fill high-demand jobs.

The City of Richland is actively addressing this need through its Business License Reserve Fund grant, which provides scholarships for continuing education. In partnership with Visit Tri-Cities and WSU Tri-Cities Cougar Tracks, this grant aims to empower residents to enhance their skills and credentials. By providing financial support, the program makes continuing education more accessible, ensuring that more individuals can benefit from advanced training and career advancement opportunities.

Other local institutions, such as Columbia Basin College, are already working to align educational offerings with industry needs. Quarterly, the community comes together with education and industry to identify needs and anticipated job growth to prepare training courses and offerings.

As Richland continues to grow, these strategic investments in workforce development will shape its future success. By fostering a highly skilled and adaptable workforce, the city is not only reducing unemployment, currently one of the lowest in the state, but also positioning itself as a competitive hub for innovation and industry growth in the Tri-Cities region. For more information, visit www.richlandbusiness.com.

Rockingham County, North Carolina

Rockingham County, North Carolina, is investing in its future workforce with innovative programs that prepare students for high-demand careers while supporting local industry.

Rockingham County Schools recently launched a dedicated CTE Innovative High School, which officially began welcoming students in August 2025. The new school expands opportunities in advanced manufacturing, health sciences and construction trades, allowing students to earn industry-recognized credentials before graduation. Alongside the district’s broader Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, it strengthens pathways that prepare students for high-demand careers.

Another career-ready initiative is RockATop, a youth apprenticeship program that blends classroom learning with paid hands-on training at local companies. Apprentices graduate with valuable work experience, college credit and certifications — all without student debt. By connecting students with real-world opportunities, RockATop builds a strong pipeline of skilled workers and helps local employers meet critical workforce needs.

Complementing these efforts is the Envision Youth Career Expo, which introduces middle and high school students to real world career opportunities available in Rockingham County. At the event, students engage with professionals, try hands-on demonstrations and learn about the education and skills needed to succeed in a variety of fields. The Expo not only sparks interest in career pathways but also strengthens connections between local schools, students and employers.

Together, these initiatives showcase Rockingham County’s commitment to preparing the next generation for success. By linking education, training and industry, the county is building a workforce that supports local businesses, attracts new investment and ensures long-term economic growth. For more information, visit www.gorockinghamcountync.com.

South Louisiana

South Louisiana knows aligning talent development with employer needs is critical to long-term economic success. One Acadiana, the region’s economic development organization, is leading this effort through One Acadiana ConnectEd, an initiative designed to foster meaningful connections between education, training and industry. Hosting industry roundtables, linking educators with industry and promoting career-connected learning are three approaches central to this mission.

Held quarterly, the industry roundtables convene employers who require similar skill sets in their workforces to discuss their shared needs with education and training providers. Through open dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, attendees share challenges and best practices surrounding recruiting, hiring, training, retaining talent and more.

Serving as a bridge between classrooms and careers, the initiative presents free professional development opportunities for local educators that focus on the region’s workforce needs, opportunities and trends. Participants gain a deeper understanding of local career pathways and leave with actionable strategies to integrate workforce awareness into their schools.

Aligned with the initiative’s support of high-quality, work-based learning opportunities, One Acadiana piloted a construction training course to prepare incarcerated individuals for reentry into the workforce. Completion of the program provided participants with the opportunity to be hired by the Master’s Guild, a local co-op employment company. By strengthening the job-readiness and construction skills of an often-overlooked talent pool, the course demonstrated a proof-of-concept that is inspiring future sessions.

Together, these programs are building a skilled talent pipeline and coordinated workforce ecosystem in South Louisiana. Learn more at SouthLouisiana.org. T&ID