GuilfordWorks Program Year Annual Report 2023-2024

2023-24 ANNUAL REPORT

FROM THE DIRECTOR

I am honored to have completed my first full year in a permanent capacity for Program Year 2023-2024. This annual report highlights progress in the following areas: Innovation, Renovation, Diversification, and Cultivation. Innovation: Our workforce system received the 2023 Governor’s recognition for innovative partnerships and had an even more concentrated focus on the justice-served population. Because of our abilities to partner with defined strategy, more than 300 charges were removed from judicially-impacted persons, through an expungement clinic. The Mobile Career Center has been continuously deployed in the

community, with approximately 100 outreach events and more than 1,000 individuals served last year. Our system diversified its funding by 56%. The aim is to not fully rely on one funding source, but to supplement with special grants to better serve our customers. Renovation: Our High Point Career Center has been renovated to create a warm, welcoming and creative space for jobseekers and employers. We added another internal partner to our Greensboro Comprehensive Center, Youth Haven. This allows us to refer individuals who may need mental and emotional health services. Identifying needs and removing barriers remains a top priority. Diversification: Our Board membership is more diverse and the new members reflect the population we serve, including the first female Latina board chair, Eva Ogden. Staff continuously built a positive and inclusive climate through internal and external professional development resources. Employees are recognized quarterly for their talents, job performance and public service. Because of our understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, our organization received the Triad Business Journal’s 2024 Leader in Diversity Award. Cultivation: Our dedication to maintaining and cultivating relationships with our business partners has been phenomenal. Staff hosted a successful series of healthcare summits that received regional recognition. We’re part of the AdvanceNC Collaborative, which combines efforts with our stakeholders to develop talent pipelines to advanced manufacturing statewide. We hosted a regional economic and workforce summit in partnership with NC State and GTCC. The informative event was well attended and fostered discussion on emerging topics in workforce development. Additionally, we established a Clean Energy Council, to have a more concerted focus on advanced manufacturing, upskilling talent and meeting employment demands. It goes without saying, the System has been extremely focused and productive. We are fulfilling our motto: Excellence through People. I look forward to maintaining the spirit of excellence. Happy reading! Sincerely, Danielle A. Harrison, Ed.D. Executive Director GuilfordWorks

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GRANTS

Department of Labor Grants GuilfordWorks $1.6 Million In February 2023, Representative Kathy Manning’s office helped GuilfordWorks secure a $1.6 million grant from the Department of Labor. The grant will subsidize the GuilfordWorks ConnectED initiative to increase postsecondary credential attainment for Guilford County citizens, including historically disadvantaged residents. With these funds, GuilfordWorks will purchase a second Mobile Career Center to address transportation obstacles to credentialing. We will also buy a truck driving simulator to address the truck driver shortage and develop skills to fill hundreds of open positions. GuilfordWorks will use the remaining funds to support individuals pursuing certification in an in-demand career pathway. The support will help cover tuition, books, equipment,

Grant Supports Education and Training for Job Seekers The Golden Leaf Foundation awarded GuilfordWorks $384,500 to support education and training for job seekers in the electric vehicle industry and renewable and clean energy sector. Dr. Danielle Harrison said, “With the influx of job opportunities in our region, it is imperative that the workforce board does its part in preparing and equipping the existing and emerging workforce.” Clean Energy Council Convenes With a special grant from the North Carolina Department of Commerce, GuilfordWorks created the Triad Area Clean Energy Council. This partnership brings together leaders in advanced manufacturing, economic and workforce development systems, local government, and education to support the emerging “clean energy” industry.

and materials for students. 10K for Job Training with VR

The NC Department of Commerce and the City of Greensboro each awarded GuilfordWorks $5,000 to purchase Virtual Reality equipment for career exploration and training.

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AWARDS

Fresh Start Initiative Wins 2023 Governor’s NCWorks Award of Distinction In partnership with NCWorks Guilford County, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department, and Triad Goodwill, the Fresh Start Initiative aimed to help solve the local labor force shortage issues while providing meaningful employment to those re entering the workforce post-incarceration. GuilfordWorks hosted an employer info session and two hiring events to provide career training and opportunities to meet local second-chance employers. The initiative has expanded to include solutions for immigrant and refugee populations. GuilfordWorks Joins AdvanceNC Regional Collaborative This collaborative group of community colleges, universities, and workforce partners in central North Carolina supports the development of talent pipelines for advanced manufacturing industries.

GuilfordWorks Earns Opportunity Award The Triad Business Journal recognized Guilford Works for excellence in community building by a nonprofit/government agency. The 2024 honor celebrated companies and individuals that continue and enhance efforts to maintain and advance principles of community in the workplace and the communities they serve.. GuilfordWorks Represents NC in National CREC Academy GuilfordWorks was chosen to participate in the National Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness (CREC) Data Use Insights Academy. The academy works to improve labor market information and data insights for users across the state. GuilfordWorks is the only workforce board in North Carolina to have representation on the CREC Core Team.

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NEWS & NOTES

GuilfordWorks Hosts 3rd & 4th Annual Healthcare Summits The third Annual Healthcare Summit featured guest speakers and panelists from Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC), NC Department of Commerce, Wake Forest Baptist School of Medicine, and Novant Health in July 2023 at Guilford College Founder’s Hall. The event welcomed more than 70 attendees and brought together healthcare employers to learn more about the labor market, workforce education and training opportunities, talent acquisition and pipeline development. The fourth Annual Healthcare Summit was in partnership with UNC Greensboro’s School of Health and Human Sciences in May 2024 at the UNCG Alumni House. This event highlighted the growing needs of the healthcare industry, specifically

training and development for in-demand healthcare careers. GuilfordWorks offered viable solutions for attracting and retaining new talent, mitigating onboarding and training costs, and meeting the growing demand for healthcare workers. The summit featured speakers from Piedmont Area Health Education Center (AHEC), UNCG, NC Department of Commerce, NC State University, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Cone Health, Novant Health, Winston-Salem State University, GTCC, Davidson-Davie Community College, Apprenticeship NC, and Pennybyrn.

Inaugural Opportunity Summit Sparks Innovation in Community GuilfordWorks hosted an interactive and educational summit for employers in Guilford County. The Opportunity Summit covered the importance of having a sound program that reduces absenteeism and turnover, and uses community-building principles to increase employee engagement and productivity. Sixty-five participants heard from industry experts as well as speakers from the City

of Greensboro, High Point University, Biscuitville, Pinnacle Financial Partners, and the NC for Community Justice. They learned how to establish an opportunity-building framework to increase their organization’s employee engagement and overall productivity.

GuilfordWorks partnered with Triad Goodwill, 38 local employers, several

resource providers, and many stakeholders on the summit. Planning is underway for the second annual event next year.

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GUILFORDWORKS IN THE COMMUNITY

Northeast Greensboro Community Hiring & Resource Event In partnership with the Turning Everything Around (T.E.A.) Organization of Greensboro, GuilfordWorks and NCWorks hosted the Northeast Greensboro Community Hiring & Resource Event, which included a hiring event and a health and wellness fair. Senior Business Services Representative David Szwejbka (left) and Greensboro City Council member Marikay Abuzuaiter (middle) participated.

SEPTEMBER 2023

Sister Circle International

GuilfordWorks continued its partnership with Sister Circle International over the past year. The NCWorks Mobile Career Center was part of the nonprofit organization’s SheWorks and WINS info Session. GuilfordWorks Executive Director Danielle Harrison, Ed.D., is pictured with Sister Circle International Executive Director Leah McNair.

FEBRUARY 2024

OCTOBER 2023

City of Greensboro Educational Roundtable Executive Director Danielle Harrison, Ed.D., discussed GuilfordWorks Workforce Development Board at one of the City of Greensboro’s educational roundtable series that assembled university leaders, community colleges, and other community stakeholders.

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SETA State Showcase GuilfordWorks’ NextGen program was represented in a panel discussion on best practices for youth programming at the Southeastern Employment and Training Association Conference’s State Showcase. The conversation considered education and employer partnerships, community outreach, and measurements of success. GuilfordWorks Executive Director Danielle Harrison, Ed.D. moderated the panel.

MARCH 2024

Guilford Dialogues Strategic Partnerships & Initiative Manager Joyce Rice and Deputy Director Fred Henry served as panelists at the 2024 Guilford Dialogues Conference, hosted by Guilford College. The pair participated on a panel about

workforce and economic development trends titled ‘Building Strategies for Economic Inclusion.’

JUNE 2024

Quarterly Staff Meetings The GuilfordWorks staff gathered quarterly in different locales

across the city for interactive and motivational meetings.

JUNE 2024

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PERFORMANCE DASHBOARD

BASIC CAREER SERVICES

Individuals Served

In-Person Visits

Veterans Served

Services Provided

GSO 11,558 HIGH POINT 5,430 EWC 275 OTHER 88 17,351

14,083 863 164,154

GSO 11,381 HIGH POINT 2,669 OTHER 3

GSO 594 HIGH POINT 259 EWC 3 OTHER 7

GSO 117,830 HIGH POINT 45,048 EWC 1,126 OTHER 150

MOBILE CAREER CENTER

Events

Individuals Served

EMPLOYER INITIATIVES: 84

NEXTGEN: 90

HIGH POINT

GUILFORD

8%

7%

GSO

Job Fairs Community Resource Ev Employer In NextGen

EMPLOYER INITIATIVES

2

3

5

1144

JOB FAIRS

36%

32%

6

9

15

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

14

2

16

JOB FAIRS: 364

RESOURCE EVENTS: 416

RESOURCE EVENTS

25

15

40

NEXTGEN

0

3

3

17%

TOTAL

47

32

79

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: 190

PROGRAM EXPENDITURES ADULT

DISLOCATED WORKERS YOUTH

Infrastructure Career Services Training Services

$311,956 $314,359 $254,469

$219,097 $107,261 $78,298

$33,957

$669,079 $165,299

ADDITIONAL FUNDING SOURCES

Funds accrued via non-WIOA sources during 2023-24

Virtual Reality

$5,000

Infrastructure

$463,664

Business Services

$35,000

USDOL Community Project Funding USDOL CAREERS Grant Extension

$1,600,000 $2,433,476

Golden Leaf Foundation

$384,550

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AT A GLANCE PERFORMANCE YEAR 2023-24 (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Funded Activities

CASE MANAGED SERVICES

WIOA Enrollments by Program

Occupational Skills Training

ENTERED YOUTH: 36

ENTERED ADULT: 31

ADULT: 183

ENROLLED 80

YOUTH: 114 372

Adult Dislocated Workers Youth

ENTERED DISLOCATED WORKERS: 13

DISLOCATED WORKERS: 75

Source: NCWorks

Source: FutureWorks

Occupational Training Outcomes

Business Engagement

SERVICES PROVIDED

TRAINING ENROLLEES

CREDENTIALS EARNED

EMPLOYERS

87 *

GSO 768 HIGH POINT 327 EWC 20 GSO 15,267 HIGH POINT 4,025 EWC 31 1,115 19,323

162 *

WORK EXPERIENCE

42

29

WEX/OJT

*Source: FutureWorks

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

ADULT DISLOCATED WORKERS YOUTH WAGNER-PEYSER

Employed

244 167

172 101

209

4,506 5,729

Exiters Wages

157

$8,382.01

$7,681.50

$4,032.77

$7,212.26

EWC: Emerging Workforce Center WEX: Work Experience OJT: On-the-Job Training WDB: Workforce Development Board

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2023-2024 EVENTS & INITIATIVES

Toyota Hiring Event December 2023 GuilfordWorks partnered with HUB4HOPE, GTCC, Triad Goodwill, Positive Direction for Youth & Families, and NCWorks to host a hiring event for Toyota Battery Manufacturing Plant – NC at Evangel Fellowship Church in Greensboro. Before the event, GuilfordWorks and NCWorks hosted career readiness workshops to offer resources and information to job seekers including transferrable skills, Toyota assessments, and interview techniques. More than 1,000 job seekers attended.

Healthcare Career Pathways Preparation February and March 2024 GuilfordWorks’ Business Services Team held a one-day Healthcare Career Readiness Bootcamp in February at the NCWorks Career Center in Greensboro and a Healthcare Career Pathways Job Fair in March at Barber Park Event Center. Participants learned about opportunities within the healthcare industry. In partnership with several community partners, these events brought in more than 200 attendees and 22 participating employers. Participants learned resume building tips, interview techniques, and more to prepare for an upcoming healthcare career fair. More than 100 attendees completed the various workshops.

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Furniture Roundtables December 2023, February 2024, April 2024 GuilfordWorks partnered with Guilford Technical Community College, High Point Economic Development, and the High Point Chamber of Commerce to discuss recruiting strategies and workforce solutions for the furniture industry. These events help GuilfordWorks address the needs of the furniture industry and offer hiring events for local employers and job seekers. There were 23 employers represented at the roundtables. Guilford County Workforce Action Meeting March 2024 Jobs of the Future: The Guilford County Workforce Action Meeting was a collaboration between Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) and GuilfordWorks Deputy Director Fred Henry, and Dr. Manuel Dudley, VP of Workforce and Continuing Education at GTCC. Both recently completed the NC Workforce Development Leadership Initiative through NC State University’s Institute for Emerging Issues. The meeting brought together local employers, educational partners, and economic and workforce development partners to present data on the region’s financial outlook. There was also a panel discussion featuring Cone Health and Phase Change Solutions.

Reentry Information Sessions at Dan River Prison May 2024 GuilfordWorks and NCWorks representatives visited the Dan River Prison Farm to host Expungement Day. This event was a continuation of the Fresh Start initiative, which assists justice-served individuals in returning to society and obtaining a sustainable, meaningful careers. Attorneys from Barham McCoy Law Firm helped more than 20 clients and expunged over 300 charges. Summer Vocation Program June 2024

GuilfordWorks rebranded and launched Summer Vocation: Police Chief’s Young Adult Jobs Initiative, a summer career exploration program for young adults ages 16–24 in Guilford County. This initiative connected young adults

with employers in an emerging industry to help them explore a meaningful career. Participants gained work experience and valuable skills while earning extra income. GuilfordWorks also partnered with GTCC and Pinnacle Financial Partners to deliver a three-hour mini bootcamp featuring interview skills, conflict resolution, and financial literacy. Upon completion, participants received a certification as a ‘preferred candidate,’ a status that improves their chances of moving into a career when interviewing with potential employers.

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Excellence Through People

Office of Workforce Development 301 S. Greene St., Suite 200 Greensboro, NC 27401 Phone: 336-373-3025 E-mail: info@guilfordworks.org guilfordworks.org