North Carolina has been ranked the Top State for Workforce Development for 2026 by Site Selection magazine, reinforcing the state’s national reputation for pairing business growth with a strong, prepared workforce.
“North Carolina’s strength is our people,” said Josh Stein. “They power our economy.”
The recognition follows North Carolina’s 2025 designation as America’s Top State for Business and reflects continued investment in talent development, education, and workforce alignment across the state. Site Selection evaluated states using metrics such as workforce credential attainment, educational attainment, and labor productivity. North Carolina ranked first overall, ahead of Utah and Illinois.
“We must continue to invest in our people and expand pathways that prepare more people for the career opportunities being built here,” said Stein.
This statewide momentum is evident in communities such as Greenville–Pitt County, where collaboration among education, workforce, and industry partners continues to support a growing and diverse economy. The Greenville MSA is anchored by East Carolina University, Pitt Community College, Pitt County Schools, ECU Health, and a network of advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and healthcare employers that rely on a steady pipeline of skilled talent.
State economic development leaders cited cross-sector collaboration as a key driver of North Carolina’s workforce success. Lee Lilley, Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Commerce, said the state’s workforce system is increasingly aligned with the needs of innovative and expanding businesses.
“Our universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, workforce boards, and industry partners work together to build skills for the jobs of today and tomorrow,” Lilley said, noting that these partnerships create opportunity in every region of the state.
Senator Eddie Settle, co-chair of the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships, described the ranking as validation of a results-driven strategy focused on apprenticeships, work-based learning, and employer-aligned training programs. “Workforce development is economic development,” Settle said.
Local workforce initiatives mirror this approach in Greenville–Pitt County, where NCWorks, education partners, and employers collaborate to connect residents to training, certifications, and career pathways. These efforts support both jobseekers and companies seeking to grow in the region.
Education leaders emphasized the importance of North Carolina’s full education continuum in supporting workforce readiness. Dr. Jeffrey Cox, president of the North Carolina Community College System, said community colleges play a critical role by aligning training with real-time employer demand and creating clear pathways to high-quality jobs.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice “Mo” Green highlighted record-high graduation rates, expanded dual-enrollment participation, and strong Career and Technical Education outcomes as indicators of progress in public schools—progress that feeds directly into local talent pipelines such as those in Pitt County.
“The world-class UNC System is one of North Carolina’s most important strategic assets,” said Peter Hans, president of the University of North Carolina System, citing the system’s role in preparing future leaders, advancing research, and partnering with businesses statewide.
The Site Selection workforce rankings can be reviewed at: https://siteselection.com/2026-workforce-development-rankings-bright-horizons/
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This article was adapted from a press release distributed by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, which can be viewed here: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/05/north-carolina-named-number-one-workforce-development-site-selection-magazine
