North Carolina has been named the #1 state in the nation for workforce development in Site Selection magazine’s 2026 Workforce Development Rankings, a trusted benchmark for corporate location and expansion decision. The recognition affirms talent strength is built with purpose, not luck.

For years, the NC Chamber and NC Chamber Foundation have worked with employers, educators, and policymakers to align our education systems with real workforce demand. This ranking reflects that work, as well as the shared commitment across our state to prepare North Carolinians for high-value careers.

Built Through Partnership

North Carolina’s workforce advantage is grounded in:

• Employer-driven training, led by initiatives like the NC Chamber Foundation’s Talent Pipeline Management work, which helps employers clearly define the skills and roles they need.
• Stronger connections between business and education, expanding career awareness and work-based learning.
• Research-driven solutions that address barriers to work — including child care, housing, skills gaps, and access to training.

These efforts ensure employers can find the talent they need to grow and compete, while students, jobseekers, and workers can see clear, attainable pathways to opportunity.

From Recognition to Results: A Clear Workforce Vision

As NC Chamber Foundation Director of Workforce Competitiveness Vincent Ginski recently noted, too many workforce efforts nationwide focus on activity rather than outcomes.

North Carolina’s continued competitiveness depends on setting comprehensive talent visions — clearly naming the roles that matter most, the number of workers needed, and the timeframe in which they must be prepared, placed, and retained. When workforce goals are employer-informed, measurable, and shared across systems, partnerships become more effective and investments deliver stronger returns.

As we look ahead, aligning strategy around clearly defined outcomes will be key to maintaining our competitive edge in workforce development.

The NC Chamber and NC Chamber Foundation will continue advancing demand-driven, outcome-focused workforce strategies that expand opportunity for North Carolinians and reinforce employers’ confidence in investing in our state.

Because in North Carolina, workforce excellence isn’t accidental.

It’s intentional. It’s collaborative. And it’s working.