Let’s Help Students Succeed, Together
As high school counselors, advisors and career center staff, you’re working hard to help students and adults make the absolute best decisions for them! NC Workforce Credentials are a great way for learners who may not want to pursue a four-year degree or military career to build valuable skills and increase their earning potential, too.
What are NC Workforce Credentials?
There are thousands of well-paying jobs in North Carolina that DON’T require a four-year degree! NC Workforce Credentials is a partnership that helps students earn credits and certifications that will then help them begin one of these careers, move up in a high-demand field they enjoy and earn more overall.
Together, we can help students find the perfect option for them.
We’re here as a resource for you.
Here are just a few of the reasons earning credentials is a great option for students and adult learners.
- Not just your traditional classroom.
- Low time commitment. There are many credential options that take just a few weeks! As a matter of fact, students can earn some credentials in as little as six weeks. From bootcamps to full semesters, there are so many options and paths to choose from.
- Financial benefits. Students who earn NC Workforce Credentials increase their earning potential! For example, Dahntay and Rolando almost doubled their salaries after getting their certifications.
- Many options to help students pay for credentials. We’ve included a list of financial assistance options here:
- Short-term workforce development
- State Employees’ Credit Union Bridge to Career scholarship program
- Golden LEAF scholarship program
- WIOA Adult or Dislocated Worker programs (vouchers)
- FNS (SNAP) Employment & Training program
- NC Workforce Credentials apprenticeships, which allow students to “earn and learn” at the same time – without having to give up income as they go to school
- Flexibility. NC Workforce Credentials classes are set up to fit around STUDENT schedules. Many participating community colleges offer courses throughout the day, so students can continue working while learning – or focus on a certification full-time!
- Convenient. Many community colleges that offer NC Workforce Credentials run Continuing Education classes more frequently than traditional, full-semester courses. (They don’t always start only in the fall and spring). Many credential options are also shorter than an average course! This means students often don’t have to wait long to start and complete their training.
NC Workforce Credentials work.
Want to share real-life examples with your students? You can download or print out a few PDF examples here! You can also read just a few NC Workforce Credentials success stories below.
Career Cluster: Information Technology
In just 12 weeks, Dahntay earned his Google IT Support Certification. As a result, Lowe's Companies hired him, and Dahntay’s salary almost doubled! He said the salary increase was unbelievable and increased his happiness and well-being.
Career Cluster: Health Sciences
After working as a stay-at-home mom for more than 13 years, Keisha was ready to (and excited to!) join the workforce. She earned her GED and then completed her Pharmacy Technician Certification. She now has a great position as a Certified Pharmacy Technician!
Career Cluster: Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
Jordan was working at a local car wash and knew he wanted a change. He completed his Basic Law Enforcement Training Certification and started a successful career with the Sheriff’s Office! He’s already increased his salary by 330 percent – and is continuing his studies.
Career Cluster: Information Technology
Before starting his certification process, Rolando worked as an order filler at the Walmart Distribution Center. Since earning three IT certifications, he’s received multiple job offers and almost doubled his salary!
Ready to build skills and a career you’re excited about? Reach out to your nearest community college to learn more about next steps. It all starts with an easy conversation.
NC Workforce Credentials is a partnership of the NC Office of the Governor, NC Community College System, NC Department of Public Instruction, NC Department of Commerce, NC Association of Workforce Development Boards, and myFutureNC.