We are excited to announce Forsyth Works – an online platform where job seekers and employers can access workforce information from a variety of sources all in one unified resource: www.ForsythWorksNC.com.
This workforce hub is launching in Forsyth County through a collaborative effort by Greater Winston-Salem, Inc., Forsyth Technical Community College, Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, and Forsyth County.
“Through the creation of an innovative workforce development brand, we aim to optimize Forsyth County’s career pathways and reinforce connections between businesses, the workforce, and existing programs to grow skilled talent in top industry sectors. Our key industries are growing and this collaboration helps us to continue to supply the talent employers need now and into the future.” Says Mark Owens, President and CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc.
Forsyth Works highlights career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Aviation and Aerospace, Business Services, Construction, Healthcare and Life Sciences, and Technology and Entrepreneurship. These industries have been identified as having ample career opportunities now and forecasted future growth.
At ForsythWorksNC.com, job seekers can find detailed information about popular career pathways within these industries and connect directly to credentials and degree programs that qualify them for jobs in the field. They can find upcoming events that help develop workforce skills and community resources that help job seekers overcome barriers to work. Forsyth Works also includes a jobs search where career seekers can access immediate opportunities.
“Educational attainment is a catalyst for economic development,” says Dr. Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech. “We believe when all of our residents have access to educational opportunities to reach their potential, we are building a stronger community. This directly supports the needs of our current employers and makes Forsyth County an attractive place to expand and locate with new investments.”
“Engaging students in career exploration at a young age is paramount to their futures,” says Tricia McManus, Superintendent of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. “Including K-12 students in the Forsyth Works scope of service helps them be prepared for higher education and the world of work.”
Forsythworksnc.com also offers opportunities for local employers and companies looking to locate and hire here to tap into the available workforce or find upskilling resources. They can also access credential, apprenticeship, and internship programming that helps build qualified talent within their organizations.
“In Forsyth County, we believe we already have all the keys to success that we need to support a growing workforce, but we needed a way to simplify the fact-finding journey for both job seekers and employers,” says Barbara Maida-Stolle, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC. “So many community partners represent one piece of the puzzle. Forsyth Works helps us show the big picture that’s created by all those pieces coming together.”
Through this partnership, we are leveraging the combined resources of multiple organizations and creating an umbrella brand that makes it easier for job seekers to find and use workforce development services. Forsyth Works is supported by ARPA funding distributed by Forsyth County.
“The Forsyth County Commissioners are pleased to support the Forsyth Works initiative. The goal of bridging the gap between job seekers and employers will generate more economic opportunity in Forsyth County. The partner organizations working on this effort have a proven, successful history of collaboration and we are excited to bring this new resource to the community,” says Don Martin, Chair of the Forsyth County Commissioners.
All are encouraged to utilize ForsythWorks.com where you can sign up for updates and follow relevant topics as a job seeker, employer, or community organization. Forsyth Works also offers upcoming events targeted for both job seekers and employers gain additional information on career readiness and employment resources.