 The
growing presence of the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC), the
strong growth of the health and other sectors, and the potential
of existing firms in Cabarrus and Rowan Counties demand a higher
level of commitment to world class education and workforce development. The Strengths,
Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats (SWOT) Analysis conducted
by Market Street Services identified the need to improve
K-12 public education as the most critical issue for the Kannapolis
area as it prepared for the arrival of NCRC employees and their families. The
second priority issue continues to be preparing the current and future
workforce for jobs with existing firms as well as future NCRC opportunities.
Market Street conducted three Assessments to
identify, qualify, and quantify the education and workforce strengths
and challenges facing the Counties. The K-12 Assessment identified
the commitments of the school systems to improve education, but
highlighted the lack of resources, broad community commitment,
and support needed to truly transform the systems into globally
competitive 21st Century Learning Environments. The NCRC & Existing
Business Needs Assessment and the Regional Workforce Assessment highlighted
the challenges facing existing entities in transitioning the current
workforce for job opportunities in biotechnology, healthcare, and
other advanced technology. The strong commitment of the Chambers,
Counties, businesses, schools systems, workforce development agencies,
and Rowan Cabarrus Community College, which emphasized their desire
to transform education and workforce development, was present throughout
the Assessments. The Assessments highlighted
the need for increasing the value of education, greater career
awareness, and job training/education programs for in-demand and
future 21st Century careers.
The process of creating the Education and Workforce Development
Action Plan for the Counties was a comprehensive one, involving
the participation of hundreds of local residents, business leaders,
and public officials. However, the development of the action
areas, objectives, and action steps is just the first step in
creating meaningful change in the Counties. Ultimately,
successful education and workforce development efforts will result
from a coordinated, collaboration-based, unified implementation
effort. The Action Plan cannot be implemented
by the educational institutions, the public sector, residents,
or business alone, it is a total selfless community effort. Increased
public and private resources and support will be necessary.
Cabarrus and Rowan Counties have a unique opportunity to radically
change and remake their future through education and workforce development. The Assessments and Action
Plan will assist the Counties in achieving quality, sustainable
growth in the near and long-term while establishing strong 21st Century
Communities with globally competitive students and workforce
As the sponsors proceed with the implementation of the Action
Plan, Cabarrus and Rowan County leaders should not lose
sight of the urgency of this effort. If not addressed now,
it will negatively impact Cabarrus and Rowan Counties for at
least another generation. The crisis is here. The
time is now.
Please click on the links
below to see more information on each project segment:
> K-12 Education Assessment
> North Carolina Research Center
and Existing Business Needs Assessment
> Regional Workforce Assessment
> Education & Workforce Development
Action Plan
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