Advancing North Carolina’s Future Workforce

The Workforce Act of 2026 provides a shared vision for strengthening North Carolina's talent pipeline. The state's 2026 budget advances many of the Act's key priorities through investments that expand career pathways, strengthen workforce readiness, and increase access to industry-valued credentials.

Explore the Workforce Act

Attainment Supports North Carolina’s Economy

In 2019, with bipartisan support in the General Assembly and a signature from the Governor, North Carolina adopted one of the most ambitious goals in the nation – to have 2 million North Carolinians aged 25-44 hold an industry-valued credential or postsecondary degree by 2030.

NC Named The #1 State for Business (3rd time in 4 years)

NC Named The #1 State in Workforce Development

1,722,433 North Carolinians aged 25 to 44 now hold a college degree or a non-degree, industry-valued credential.

New data. Clear direction. Shared responsibility.
Read the 2026 State of Educational Attainment Report.

Attainment Profiles

Dive into data shaping North Carolina’s educational and workforce progress—by county and across prosperity zones, workforce development boards, and councils of governments.

Explore Profiles Dashboard

Performance Indicators

Dive into the key metrics shaping North Carolina’s educational and workforce success—academic readiness, college and career access, postsecondary completion, and workforce alignment.

View KPI Dashboard

Attainment Begins Locally

Increasing educational attainment is a collective effort. This shared responsibility ensures the workforce is well-aligned with labor market demands while supporting individual economic mobility and fostering regional economic growth. Take a moment to see how your region is advancing in educational attainment. Your efforts make a difference. This progress is not just a number; it's a beacon of hope for a brighter future for our region.

To find your Regional Impact Manager and more information, please click on your region in this map of North Carolina.

Not sure which region you fall into?