The workforce of Cabarrus County is diverse, motivated and capable, giving employers a key competitive edge. North Carolina is a right to work state. State law permits individual workers to choose whether or not they wish to join a labor union. North Carolina, which has one of the nation’s highest percentages of manufacturing employment, has one of the nation’s lowest union memberships. The state’s union membership rank of 1.9 percent is well below the national average of 11.1 percent.

Specialized training is available through Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, Cabarrus College of Health Sciences and UNC Charlotte. Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has instituted a special initiative in advanced manufacturing training including a computer-integrated machining program. This program is committed to using the latest in machining technology to assure that local workers possess the skills advanced manufacturers demand. Plus, there are multiple community colleges within an easy one hour drive eager to accommodate customized training needs.

The presence of the North Carolina Research Campus (NCRC), a public-private venture dedicated to fostering collaboration and understanding of key biotechnology fields, has demanded a higher level of commitment to world-class education and workforce development in Cabarrus County.