Workforce Development
Sanford’s skilled workforce and abundant talent pool power the city’s growth across all industries. SAGA’s Education & Workforce Development Committee offers a variety of resources to further the growth and development of the county’s workers, including free resources available to most employers and employees.
Additionally, nationally recognized programs like North Carolina Chamber’s Talent Pipeline Management initiative work to strengthen North Carolina’s communities and business environments by training local chambers, business associations and more.
Customized industry training is available to manufacturing organizations for little to no cost through the Dr. Paul Howard and Dr. Barbara James Industry Training Center at Central Carolina Community College (CCCC). The training center provides flexible, customized industry skills training in a hands-on, short-course format. Students have access to a world-class training center with facilities including a simulated work environment, a fully outfitted welding lab, and an instrumentation lab.
On the Job Training
Capital Area Workforce Development is a public-private partnership that focuses on economic development by ensuring the local workforce has the skills, training and education to meet the needs of local employers. The organization offers skill development and preparedness resources to employers seeking on-the-job training for employees with skill gaps, and employers potentially can be reimbursed up to 75% of employee’s salary for up to 6 months by WIOA funds.
North Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Services (NCVR) assists individuals with disabilities with obtaining, retaining or maintaining employment. On-the-job training is offered for employees with skill gaps in any industry, and employers potentially can be reimbursed up to 75% of employee’s salary for up to 6 months by WIOA funds. NCVR also offers free, customized training to enhance awareness of cultural diversity and awareness of attitudes/biases toward people with disabilities.
Spanish and English Language Classes
El Refugio offers free language classes (English and Spanish), citizenship preparedness classes, and supplemental classes and workshops. Language classes are offered in 10-week sessions of evening classes, and childcare is provided.
Small Business Skills Training
Central Carolina Community College Small Business Center offers free seminars on skills related to starting and running a small business. Seminar topics include business plans, marketing, financing, sales, social media, and bookkeeping, among other topics.
Apprenticeships
ApprenticeshipNC is available to employers to help them build a skilled workforce through apprenticeships. Current high school students, recent graduates, experienced workers or military veterans receive on-the-job learning from a master-level supervisor, typically while receiving job-related education from institutions such as community colleges or trade organizations.
Central Carolina Community College offers an adult apprenticeship program available to employers in Lee, Chatham, Harnett who are interested in developing Adult Apprenticeship Programs. Adults in this program receive hands-on training and personalized support for a seamless transition into the workforce.
Free Online Training Programs
NCWorks is available to anyone and offers resources specific to the individual or to employers. A variety of free online training resources related to workplace skills, certifications, business, technology, writing and other skills are offered through the organization.
Human Resource Business Services
NCWorks Career Center helps employers create the skilled workforce needed to power their business. Employers can find resources such as labor market information, assistance with job postings, job fairs, pre-screening of applicants, and assistance completing Work Opportunity Tax Credit paperwork. The center also offers employers access to WIOA workers to assist in getting worksites open after disasters.
Advisory Boards
Central Carolina Community College and Lee County Schools offer employers the opportunity to sit on advisory boards to provide industry-specific direction to local education programs.
Small Business Skills Training
ACT Job Profiling is a resource available to employers to analyze the skills needed for job tasks in their recruiting and hiring practices. Employers can access template job profiles that can be used for job descriptions, postings, pre-employment testing, etc.
Crisis Support
United Way of Lee County and NC211 are two organizations that provide crisis support, available to anyone in need of assistance. Both offer information on human service needs (food, shelter, etc.), as well as disaster relief information.
Childcare Support
Partnership for Children and Families offers a no cost Pre-K program and no cost child care assistance for qualifying families.
Assistive Technology
North Carolina Assistive Technology Program offers assistance finding assistive/ adaptive technology needed for employment. The program is available to qualifying individuals.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN SANFORD