BCC Staff Member Earns Certified Workforce Developer Designation
Brunswick Community College VP of Continuing Education/Workforce Development Greg Bland was among the first to complete the new North Carolina Workforce Development Leadership Initiative, a six-month professional training program administrated by NC State University. The initiative is supported by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and created in collaboration with NC State University, the NCWorks Commission, the NC Department of Commerce and the NC Association of Workforce Development Boards.
The program prepares attendees to participate on and lead workforce development boards, engage with economic developers, and create initiatives that will advance local communities through strong partnerships. On March 10th, graduates of the six-month training program received the professional designation of Certified Workforce Developer —the only designation of its kind in the country.
“The experience at NC State reinforced the relationship between workforce development and economic growth. These two efforts are inseparable, like two sides of the same coin,” said Bland. “The certification course helped me foster a deep appreciation and respect for the relationships in Brunswick County. We have genuine collaboration among our elected officials, the Cape Fear Workforce Development Board, Brunswick County Schools, Brunswick Business & Industry Development, and Brunswick Community College. As I consider economic and workforce growth in Southeastern North Carolina, I am convinced that our best years are just around the corner. “
Photo Caption: BCC’s Greg Bland (fifth from the left) is among the first to complete the new North Carolina Workforce Development Leadership Initiative. Photo is courtesy of NC State.
March 16, 2023