Working to connect individuals to work

Our Story

In 2011 a sector analysis of the workforce ecosystem was focused on figuring how Charlotte-Mecklenburg could better address four key questions:

  • What are common barriers to employment and who is likely to experience them?

  • What’s the outlook for low-skilled workers?

  • What does the current public and non-profit workforce development sector look like and how does it function?

  • How could the sector be strengthened?

As a result of this study four key barriers to employment were identified:

  • Education and Basic Skills: Limited education and/or skills attainment, lack of work experience, language barriers

  • Health and Disability: Chronic health issues, mental and/or developmental disabilities, addiction

  • Situational Factors: Homeless, in poverty, criminal record, lack of childcare and/or transportation

  • Institutional Factors: Access to public transportation, fragmented public support system, discrimination

The realization that no one workforce-serving organization could tackle these challenges alone resulted in the formation of a partnership, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Workforce Providers Council. The guiding purpose of the council since 2011 has been:

Increase the economic strength and long-term vocational success of individuals with significant employment barriers by bringing about the transformation of the workforce development sector through the achievement of the following broad objectives:

  • Create an integrated sector aligned with shared goals and outcomes

  • Create a dual focus on job seekers’ and employers’ needs

  • Create career pathways that lead to living-wage employment

  • Create individualized guidance and wraparound support for job seekers

  • Create a fully developed continuum of workforce services and support

While much has changed since 2011, the broad purpose and these five key strategic pillars have remained constant.

Job Seeker Journey.jpg

Underemployed and Unemployed

Looking for new or better work? Feel like you have more to offer but can not seem to get the opportunities you need to move up? WPC partners have extensive training offerings with employer connections to get you out of a job and into a career.

Young Adults

Just starting your career and not sure where to go? WPC partners have intensive career counseling services so you can get the guidance you need alongside support services if you need help with professional clothes, transportation, etc.

Experienced Adults

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Retirees Returning to Work

Are you tired of vacation or did your financial circumstances change? WPC partners can work to get you back into a role quickly without protracted education and upskilling.

Chronically Challenged

Does it seem like no matter what you do you can not get a job? Are you dealing with other significant needs such as a disability, homelessness, addiction, etc? WPC partners work with other ecosystems to refer and connect you to the help and support you need.

Recently Incarcerated

Returning to the workforce with a record? WPC partners specialize in working with individuals targeting second-chance employers and legal aid where applicable.