Building Momentum Around the Workforce Act of 2026

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The Workforce Act of 2026 (HB1163 / SB986) has officially been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly, marking an important step forward in advancing policies designed to strengthen workforce and talent development efforts across the state.

The Workforce Act of 2026 reflects a collaborative, cross-sector approach to expanding economic opportunity across North Carolina by increasing work-based learning opportunities, improving career navigation, simplifying education-to-career pathways, and expanding access to employer-valued credentials.

North Carolina’s economy depends on helping more people access high-demand careers — faster, more affordably, and with fewer barriers. The Workforce Act builds on existing statewide momentum and investments designed to better align education and workforce systems with employer and learner needs.

4 Key Areas of Focus

Expand Work-Based Learning

The Workforce Act would invest in ApprenticeshipNC and support the expansion of work-based learning opportunities across the state.

Proposed investments include:

• $3.1M investment in ApprenticeshipNC
• Expanded employer partnerships and apprenticeship opportunities

Intended outcomes include:

• More than 100,000 new apprentices and pre-apprentices over the next 10 years
• Stronger connections between education and paid, structured employment

Strengthen Career Exploration & Navigation

The legislation would enhance NCcareers.org and expand access to career planning and career development tools for more North Carolinians.

• $1.5M investment to enhance NCcareers.org
• Expanded access for working adults, justice-involved individuals preparing for reentry, and military members and veterans
• More visible pathways to high-demand careers
• Stronger career navigation and enhanced data tools

Create Seamless Education Pathways

The Workforce Act would support efforts to simplify postsecondary transfer and reduce barriers for students moving across education systems.

• $2.5M investment to expand transfer technology in the UNC System
• Inclusion of private colleges in the state’s digital transcript system
• More than 10,000 successful student transfers annually
• Reduced credit loss and increased completion rates

Expand Access to Employer-Valued Credentials

The legislation would expand access to workforce-aligned credentials and short-term training opportunities connected to high-demand careers.

• $350K investment to fully embed NC Workforce Credentials
• $1M investment in short-term workforce grants
• Stronger labor market alignment
• Increased transparency for learners and employers

What Leaders Across North Carolina Are Saying

“Whenever a company chooses North Carolina, the No. 1 factor is almost always workforce.” — Christopher Chung, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina

“This legislation creates clearer, more accessible pathways to high-demand careers.” — The Honorable John A. Fraley, Retired Representative, NC General Assembly; Member, UNC Board of Governors

“These bills accelerate education-to-workforce pathways and expand work-based learning opportunities across North Carolina.” — Sandy Weathersbee, Early Childhood Education Leader, Providence Preparatory School

How Partners Can Help

Now that the Workforce Act has officially been introduced, we need your help building awareness, visibility, and support for the legislation across North Carolina.

Here are a few ways you can help support the Workforce Act:

• Share information, videos, and updates about the Workforce Act across your networks, newsletters, and social media channels
• Personally reach out to local legislators to express support for myFutureNC’s policy priorities reflected in the legislation
• Highlight local workforce partnerships, apprenticeship efforts, employer needs, and student success stories that demonstrate the importance of this work

Share the Workforce Act Video

Watch and share the Workforce Act Overview Video

Contact Your Legislators

We encourage partners to personally reach out to local legislators to express support for myFutureNC’s policy priorities reflected in the Workforce Act of 2026.

Sample outreach messaging and resources are available here.

Learn More

• Workforce Act Overview
• What Leaders Across NC Are Saying
• Policy Briefs: Employer-Valued Credentials - Seamless Education Pathways - Career Exploration - Work-Based Learning

Thank you for your continued partnership and leadership in strengthening North Carolina’s workforce and talent pipeline.

An investment in myFutureNC is an investment in North Carolina’s future. myFutureNC is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. All gifts are tax-deductible and support our to advance educational attainment and opportunity for all.

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