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About the HC WDB JobLink Career Centers Business Workforce Development Stimulus Activities Get REAL Youth Services Publications Photo Gallery High Country Workforce Development Board 468 New Market Boulevard Boone, NC 28607 (828) 265-5434

Frequently Asked Questions 1. How are Workforce Development Board members selected? 2. How can I become involved with workforce development? 3. How is the Workforce Development Board established? 4. How many Workforce Development Boards are there? 5. Tell me about the Workforce Development Board's Youth Council. 6. What does the Workforce Development Board do? 7. What is the Workforce Development Board? 8. What is the incumbent worker grant and how do I apply? 9. What value does the Workforce Development Board add to my community? 10. Who provides workforce services in the High Country? 1. How are Workforce Development Board members selected? Workforce Development Board members are appointed the Chief Elected Official of their political jurisdiction, In the High Country, that means the Chairman of County Commissioners from each county makes appointments. For business members, the Chairman makes appointments from nominations presented by a local Chamber of Commerce or other general purpose business organization. 2. How can I become involved with workforce development? If you're interested in becoming a Workforce Development Board member, serving on one of the Board's workgroups or committees, learning more about workforce development through a volunteer internship, or volunteering your services in one of the region's JobLink Career Centers, contact any member of the High Country Workforce Development Board staff at 828.265..5434. 3. How is the Workforce Development Board established? Workforce Development Boards are established in law through the federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998. North Carolina was ahead of the curve as Workforce Development Boards were established under Governor's Executive Order # 90, which was issued in December 1995. 4. How many Workforce Development Boards are there? North Carolina currently has twenty-four workforce boards and serve anywhere from one county to ten. Nationwide, there are approximately 600 Workforce Boards. In many states, these boards are identified as Workforce Investment Boards. 5. Tell me about the Workforce Development Board's Youth Council. The Workforce Investment Act requires each Workforce Board to establish a Youth Council to provide policy for youth services related to workforce development. Youth Council members include Workforce Development Board members and other community leaders who are engaged with youth, including education, law enforcement, housing, and parents. The High Country Workforce Development Board's recent State of the Workforce Report identified educational attainment, career awareness, and the emerging workforce as key issues for the region. The Youth Council is charged with responding to these issues through policy, program services, and collaboration. 6. What does the Workforce Development Board do? The primary role of the High Country Workforce Development Board is to develop policy and strategies to ensure that business has access to a trained workforce and that workers have access to quality jobs. The High Country Workforce Development Board's job in overseeing implementation of the federal Workforce Investment Act includes designing a workforce development system that meets the needs of the region's businesses as well as its emerging, incumbent, and transitional workforces. The Board also provides oversight of the region's JobLink Career Centers. The Board operates on the premise that upward mobility for workers improves the prosperity of our communities and our nation. As a neutral, volunteer, business-led group, the Board provides policy guidance to the wide range or organizations whose missions include providing a strong, qualified workforce to meet the nation's economic needs. The High Country Workforce Development Board works closely with the region's key businesses, especially those in growth sectors, to identify needs and encourage the development of skills so we can continue to have a thriving economy and our businesses can compete in the global marketplace 7. What is the Workforce Development Board? The Workforce Development Board is a business-led board that provides independent policy guidance regarding a broad range of workforce development issues that affect the region. In addition, they have specific oversight roles for local Workforce Investment Act programs and JobLink Career Centers. All board members are volunteers. The majority of sitting board members represent private business. Other members are selected from the leadership ranks of the education, economic development, social services, and the NC Employment Security Commission, as well as other key players. The twenty-three members of the High Country Workforce Development Board serve the counties of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey. The mission of the High Country Workforce Development Board is to build an adaptive workforce system to meet the demands of a globally competitive economy. 8. What is the incumbent worker grant and how do I apply? The Incumbent Worker Grant Program is a business services offered through the Workforce Investment Act. Under this program, businesses can apply for funds to upgrade the skills of their existing workforce. The goal of this program is keep North Carolina's businesses competitive and to develop the skills of today's workers so they can meet the demands of the twenty-first century workplace. There are three application cycles during each Program Year (July-June) for these limited funds. Guidelines and application forms can be found at http://www.nccommerce.com/e... 9. What value does the Workforce Development Board add to my community? The High Country Workforce Development Board adds value to the communities in the region in many ways. We convene various groups to ensure collaboration and to make the best use of resources. Innovation is our watchword as we bring additional resources to the region to meet the Board's goals through new programs and services. Evaluating available services helps us bridge gaps in the workforce delivery system. Our research and analysis of workforce and economic issues guides local governments and organizations in decision-making. By directing resources under the Board's auspices, we help enhance and sustain the development of the region's workforce. We to ensure the most effective use of workforce development goods and services through effective management of issues and investments By advocating system-wide solutions to workforce development and economic needs, we encourage efficient use of limited resources. 10. Who provides workforce services in the High Country? The Workforce Development Board contracts with various organizations to provide services under the Workforce Investment Act in the High Country. Service providers are typically selected through a competitive bid process. In 2007, the following organizations provide Workforce Investment Act services: Connectinc., High Country Council of Governments, Mayland Community College, and Wilkes Community College. Services are available through the region's JobLink Career Centers and include services to youth, dislocated workers and other adults, and businesses.

Services and activities offered at the JobLink Career Center are equal opportunity programs. To place a free relay call in North Carolina, dial 711.
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