Training and maintaining a quality workforce for North Carolina involved preparing individuals throughout their lives. Examples of programs preparing North Carolinians for the workforce before high school graduation included a partnership between Randolph County schools and local factories, which entailed middle school students receiving on-site tours and engaging in hands-on activities. As for enhancing the preparation of adult students, programs included a partnership between Pitt Community College and Vidant Medical Center, which involved a grant providing nursing program students equipment for a simulation hospital.
To meet the need for a more technologically trained workforce, a partnership was forged between NC Works, NC Community College System, and NC Commission on Workforce Development. Contributions to the building of technical skills included apprenticeships, Six Sigma Certification, and the North Carolina Career Readiness Certificate.