Cape Fear Talent: Regional Workforce Skills Analysis

During the summer of 2023, a collaborative effort was initiated by The Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, Cape Fear Collective, the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board, and RTI International in southeastern North Carolina. This alliance aimed to conduct an extensive survey encompassing nearly 400 businesses across a diverse array of industries. The primary objective was to raise awareness and pinpoint areas of the highest growth and specific skill requirements within the Cape Fear region. The survey encompassed various industry sectors, including:

• Construction and skilled trades
• Life sciences and bioscience
• Healthcare and social assistance
• IT, software, and analytics
• Energy, utilities, and cleantech
• Logistics, transportation, and warehousing
• Manufacturing
• Professional and technical services
• Public sector and education
• Restaurant, hospitality services, and tourism

In collaboration with RTI International, who conducted the survey, the overarching aim was to establish a comprehensive database of information. This database would serve as a valuable resource for local workforce ecosystem partners, enabling them to make informed decisions and preparations. The survey was driven by several key objectives, as outlined below:

• Gain insights into both immediate and long-term hiring needs.
• Inform training and educational institutions about the current workforce requirements.
• Provide essential workforce data to inform policymakers in the fields of workforce development, education, and economic growth.
• Develop an efficient cradle-to-career talent pipeline.
• Establish an effective framework for continual industry feedback.

Partners

Bladen Community College

Bladen’s Bloomin’ Agri-Industrial, Inc.

Brunswick Business & Industry Development

Brunswick Chamber of Commerce

Brunswick Community College

Burgaw Area Chamber of Commerce

Cape Fear Collective

Cape Fear Community College

Cape Fear Homebuilders Association

Cape Fear Realtors®

Cape Fear Workforce Development Board

Coastal Carolina Community College

Columbus County Chamber & Tourism

Columbus County Economic Development

EDPNC

Elizabeth-White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Greater Wilmington Business Journal

Jacksonville Onslow Chamber of Commerce

Jacksonville Onslow Economic Development

Live Oak Bank

Lower Cape Fear Human Resources Association

MyFutureNC

NC Commerce

Network for Entrepreneurs in Wilmington (NEW)

New Hanover County Schools

North Brunswick Chamber of Commerce

North Carolina’s Southeast

Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center

Our Future Cape Fear

Pender County Tourism

Southeastern Community College

Southport Oak Island Chamber of Commerce

The Honor Foundation

Topsail Chamber of Commerce

UNCW Center for Innovation and

Entrepreneurship (CIE)

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Wilmington and Beaches Convention & Visitors Bureau

Wilmington Business Development

Wilmington Chamber of Commerce

Wilmington Downtown iNC.