Forsyth Works Helps Bridge the Space Between Classroom and Careers
Innovative workforce development programs such as those provided by Forsyth Works are serving as a critical bridge between education and industry in the Greater Winston-Salem area.
These programs are equipping students and workers with the skills needed to meet the demands of the region’s evolving economy and strengthening its ability to attract and retain employers in key sectors like health care, advanced manufacturing, technology and logistics.
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Preparing for Work
Forsyth Works supports early career exploration and workforce readiness through its Career-Ready Youth programming, which is administered by Greater Winston-Salem Inc., an organization that works to grow the economic prosperity of Winston-Salem and Forsyth County. A robust menu of programs and services addresses student and employer needs through strategic preparation and experiential learning that builds essential skills, promotes professional development and connects emerging talent to in-demand career pathways.
“Students benefit from Forsyth Works programs by gaining early exposure to career pathways, real-world learning experiences and essential skills that support their success in education and employment,” says Terri Cummings, vice president of talent and workforce for Greater Winston-Salem Inc. “The Career-Ready Youth initiative sparks curiosity, builds confidence and equips students with a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them after graduation, whether through college, credentialing programs, apprenticeships or the workforce.”
The primary initiatives under the Career-Ready Youth umbrella include the World of Work career fair, ASPIRE WS credentialing program and Senior Academy, a mentor-driven dropout prevention program.
Enabling Upward Mobility
“We know that high school graduates are less likely to be underemployed and will experience a significant increase in lifetime earnings compared to those who do not graduate from high school,” Cummings says. “Students who need extra support on their journey are paired with a mentor from local businesses and community volunteers. They also participate in a work-readiness curriculum and behind-the-scenes visits with local employers to learn about various career choices.”
Senior Academy graduates are offered admission to Forsyth Tech Community College, which results in a pathway to continued education and upward mobility.
The World of Work career event gives Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools students an up-close look at local career pathways. Students tour industry “worlds” representing more than 40 career and technical education (CTE) programs as well as 30 degree and credentialing programs from local colleges and universities.
Participants are also able to engage with more than 50 local employers from industries like advanced manufacturing, aviation and aerospace, construction, health care and technology.
“World of Work is a great opportunity for our students to see for themselves what career opportunities are out there in our own community,” says Jill Hall- Freeman, area superintendent for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. “They may discover an interest in jobs that they didn’t even know existed. It’s about exposing these kids to opportunities that could change the trajectory of their lives. As for the adults, it also gives us a chance to see what jobs we should be preparing kids for.”
The Power of Partnership
Hall-Freeman says programs such as Forsyth Works work in tandem with the school district’s career and technical training initiatives, helping bridge the gap between industry and education.
“The beautiful thing about CTE is that so many of the jobs we’re preparing kids for are jobs that don’t even exist yet. Our CTE programs are true hands-on experiential learning for students where they gain skills that put them heads and tails above others who enter the workforce,” Hall-Freeman says. “That’s why these partnerships with industry and community leaders are so important. The ongoing conversations help us meet the needs of the local workforce, which strengthens the economy and strengthens the community.”
Cummings says local businesses recognize that taking a strategic approach to workforce development begins with partnerships like Forsyth Works.
“Business involvement provides students with hands-on experience and exposure to in-demand careers, making learning more relevant and impactful,” she says. “This partnership is essential because it not only helps students better understand career pathways and workplace expectations, but it also allows businesses to contribute to shaping their future workforce. By actively participating, employers strengthen talent pipelines, address skills shortages and invest in the long-term economic growth of our community.”
Learn more about the offerings at Forsyth Works by visiting forsythworksnc.com.
Local Partners
Examples of employers within Forsyth Works’ target industries:
Advanced Manufacturing
- John Deere
- Progress Rail
Aviation and Aerospace
- Collins Aerospace Interiors
- North State Aviation
- Piedmont Propulsion
Business Services
- HanesBrands
- Reynolds American Inc.
- Inmar
Health Care and Life Sciences
- Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
- Novant Health
Food and Beverage
- Garner Foods
- Purple Crow
Get to Know Greater Winston-Salem
To learn more about the region and all it has to offer, visit livability.com/nc/winston-salem.