Manufacturers in Catawba County benefit from a coordinated network of workforce partners that provide hands-on recruiting and talent pipeline support. The NCWorks Career Center in Conover delivers no-cost employer services including job postings, candidate pre-screening and referrals, skills assessments, interview space, hiring event coordination, and guidance on available workforce incentives. NCWorks Online allows employers to post positions and search résumés statewide. The Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board supports recruitment strategies and administers on-the-job and incumbent worker training programs that help offset hiring and training costs.  Reflecting the strength of this system, NC is currently ranked the #1 state in workforce development by Site Selection Magazine.

 

Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) serves as a key workforce partner, aligning technical programs with industry needs, connecting students and graduates to employers, and hosting career fairs and customized hiring events. Employers can also build talent pipelines through CVCC's Workforce Readiness which includes Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities and the Catawba Apprenticeship Network—a registered apprenticeship program in partnership with ApprenticeshipNC—which allows companies to hire employees while they receive structured, Work-Based Learning tailored to advanced manufacturing roles. In addition, Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs within Catawba County’s public schools introduce students to manufacturing, skilled trades, and engineering pathways, providing opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and early workforce engagement. The Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board works closely with local employers to support recruitment strategies, administer On-the-Job Training and Incumbent Worker Training programs, and connect companies to funding opportunities that offset hiring and training costs.

 

Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Career and Professional Development Center and AppState's Career Development Center, both facilitate employer engagement, internships, and direct student recruitment. Employers can also engage specialized talent pipelines such as HKY4Vets, which connects veterans and transitioning service members with local career opportunities. The Catawba County Economic Development Corporation works closely with each of these organizations and can guide employers to the appropriate recruiting, workforce, and training resources to efficiently meet their specific talent needs.​