Workforce & Talent

Greensboro-High Point gives companies access to one of the strongest and most diverse talent engines in the Southeast. Our workforce is growing, skilled and supported by a collaborative network of education and training partners that help employers recruit, train, and retain top talent. Whether you need advanced manufacturing specialists, tech professionals, or logistics and aviation talent, Guilford County delivers a steady pipeline ready for what’s next.

More than 101 people move to the Greensboro-High Point region each day. Companies can draw from a population of more than 1.5 million people within a 45 minute drive time, supported by a labor force of more than 737,000. Regional labor force participation is nearly 80 percent, and our manufacturing workforce alone includes more than 96,000 workers. Greensboro-High Point ranks second in North Carolina for manufacturing employment and is consistently a top performer in the Southeast.

Commuting patterns strengthen this labor pool. More than 143,000 workers travel into Guilford County from surrounding counties each day, adding depth and flexibility for employers of every size.

With 20 regional colleges and universities nearby, including 8 located in Greensboro – High Point, the region sits in one of the highest concentrations of postsecondary institutions in North Carolina. More than 100,000 college students are enrolled locally and more than 24,000 degrees and certificates are awarded annually.

Regional institutions include UNC Greensboro, NC A&T State University, High Point University, Wake Forest University, Elon University, Guilford Technical Community College and many more. These institutions produce graduates ready to contribute across engineering, business, computing, logistics, life sciences and the skilled trades.

Companies in Guilford County benefit from one of the most comprehensive and employer focused training systems in the state. North Carolina provides funding support to eligible employers that create jobs, invest in their operations, or adopt new technology. Training can be delivered on the company floor or on a partner campus, depending on the need.

Training is delivered by:

  • College instructors
  • Regional partners
  • North Carolina State University
  • Manufacturing Solutions Center
  • NC BioNetwork
  • Subject matter experts
  • OEM suppliers
  • Train-the-trainer programs

Programs include screening, recruitment, job task analysis, ACT WorkKeys profiling, skills assessment and customized curricula. Training timelines are efficient, often ranging between two and six weeks.

GuilfordWorks, part of North Carolina’s statewide NCWorks system, serves more than 67,500 individuals annually. Nine regional career centers connect employers with jobseekers and provide demand driven services that support new and expanding companies. These services include:

  • Custom recruitment strategies
  • Interview and event space
  • Hiring events
  • Skills assessments
  • Training needs evaluation
  • State funded training management

This coordinated system ensures employers receive tailored support from recruitment through onboarding.

Training is delivered by:

  • College instructors
  • Regional partners
  • North Carolina State University
  • Manufacturing Solutions Center
  • NC BioNetwork
  • Subject matter experts
  • OEM suppliers
  • Train-the-trainer programs

Programs include screening, recruitment, job task analysis, ACT WorkKeys profiling, skills assessment and customized curricula. Training timelines are efficient, often ranging between two and six weeks.

Greensboro-High Point’s workforce ecosystem also includes broad support for incumbent worker training and employer engagement. Companies can tap into:

  • Youth apprenticeships and adult apprenticeships
  • On-the-job training programs
  • Incumbent worker and upskilling programs
  • Existing industry services
  • Manufacturing councils
  • Young professional networks
  • B2B introductions
  • Academic and research partnerships
  • Targeted recruitment (regional + University networks)
  • Labor market data and talent mapping
  • Employer-aligned pipeline development
  • Coordinated partner engagement
  • Internship and co-op pathways
  • Centralized employer support

This approach enables Greensboro-High Point to build tailored talent pipelines that accelerate hiring and support long-term growth.

Greensboro-High Point’s workforce system is coordinated, responsive and aligned with industry needs. A mix of growing population, high educational attainment, industry focused training and strong regional partnerships makes talent one of the region’s greatest competitive advantages.

If your business is expanding, modernizing, or preparing for what’s ahead, GCEDA will connect you to the people who can help you build it.