Wake Works to support students training for skilled, in-demand jobs
A new program will offer students free tuition, free training and long-term career potential thanks to a new partnership with Wake Tech and Wake County.
Posted — UpdatedThe Wake County Board of Commissioners signed off on Wake Works, which will train workers in skills sorely needed across the county.
“This is really an exciting program,” said Commissioner Matt Calabria. “We are as excited about this as anything that we do.”
Calabria said there’s a skills gap in Wake County, with the supply of technical workers lagging behind demand.
“All of our employers are facing a demand right now,” said Scott Ralls, Wake Tech’s president. “In fact, it’s probably the greatest demand, job demand, that we’ve seen in the history of our college.
Wake County leaders believe free training in areas like hospitality, computer technology and healthcare plus the potential for a livable wage will make a difference.
“What we’re going to do is create paid apprenticeships for students who are studying to join these critical need fields and we’re going to cover the cost of their education,” Calabria said. “That includes tuition, books fees, uniforms -- you name it, we’ve got it covered.”
The average starting salary after finishing a registered apprenticeship is $50,000. A worker can make an extra $300,000 over the span of their career with the extra training.
Ralls said the economy is based on many of the skilled jobs.
“The skilled trade jobs, the technician jobs are the jobs everybody is dying for,” he said. “They need the students coming through the program and that’s why this opportunity is so important for our county and our community.”
By removing the barrier to training, leaders hope it will stimulate Wake County’s economy and the future success of its residents.
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