WORKFORCE MATTERS
July 2021
Another Win for CAWD!
We are so proud to be the National Association of Workforce Boards' 2021 Trailblazer Award winner! CAWD's staff and board members are grateful to you, our partners, for supporting our efforts to positively impact career and
employment opportunities for EVERYONE we serve.
CAWD AWARDED $100,000 TO FUND YOUTH INITIATIVE
The NC Division of Workforce Solutions (DWS) awarded CAWD $100,000 to operate the Capital Area Apprenticeship Prep Program (APP). This new program will prepare young people with education, career readiness skills, and pre-apprenticeship opportunities. At the end of the program they will be prepared to enter into a full apprenticeship, employment, or continued education. Occupations will include electrical, information technology or healthcare. Others may be added later when the program is expanded.
JULY LABOR MARKET DATA
The Labor & Economic Analysis Division at NC Commerce released a new dashboard to replace the monthly labor market overview report. July data covers the month of May. Highlights are:

Wake Unemployment - 3.7% (up .1%)
Johnston Unemployment - 3.9% (up .1%)
Regional # Unemployed - 25,995
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TRANSITIONING HOSPITALITY WORKERS
Hospitality workers took the biggest hit during the pandemic. Capital Area NCWorks Career Centers continue to help this group prepare to work in occupations that offer higher pay and/or career paths that can lead to household-sustainable earnings.
Outcomes are as follows:
Individuals from Hospitality Industry: 578
Average Quarterly Wage: $4,808

> 37% (211) returned to the industry earning 6% less than before
> 26% (149) went into better paying industries and earned 47% more
than before.
> The biggest earners went into Construction, Wholesale Trade, and
Manufacturing and earned an average of 90% more.
> 33% (190) changed industries but earned an average of 14% less.

Source: FutureWorks
*Individuals who have not exited the program are not included
JULY LABOR MARKET DATA
The Labor & Economic Analysis Division at NC Commerce released a new dashboard to replace the monthly labor market overview report. July data covers the month of May. Highlights are:

Wake Unemployment - 3.7% (up .1%)
Johnston Unemployment - 3.9% (up .1%)
Regional # Unemployed - 25,995
SUPPORTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Closing representation gaps in the businesses we serve, as well as helping businesses create a
workforce that matches the diversity of the community, not only supports BOC goals but also our desire to provide career and employment opportunities for all.
Here are some of the things we're doing in support of DEI.

> Bridging a partnership with AARP to better serve mature workers through
the NCWorks Career Centers

> Establishing a method to track and improve our engagement with small
businesses owned by women, veterans, minorities, and individuals with
disabilities

> Prioritizing these businesses for incumbent worker training grants, on-
the-job training funds, recruiting assistance, and other business services

> Creating an end-to-end, comprehensive path to self-employment for
career center customers by leveraging existing resources (training,
funding, etc.) available throughout our counties
CONTACT US