New Forsyth County online workforce development hub launches

Forsyth Works, an online workforce development hub aimed at connecting job seekers to roles in high-demand local industries, launched Friday.

The initiative is a joint effort between the county, Greater Winston-Salem Inc., Forsyth Technical Community College, Goodwill Industries of Northwest NC and Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. 

The result of the collaboration is ForsythWorksNC.com, which provides information to residents interested in pursuing careers in fields including advanced manufacturing, aviation, health care, technology and more. 

The website is designed to connect job seekers to degree or credential programs and highlight upcoming training and networking events. It also features a job search tool and offers recruiting opportunities for local employers. 

At a Forsyth County Board of Commissioners meeting Thursday, Workforce Development Analyst Andrea Sheetz explained the challenge now is getting the word out, and determining whether their efforts are successful. 

“Goodwill has been a great partner with their outreach, and Greater Winston is doing their own community outreach with groups like the Ministers' Conference, Hispanic League and the Urban League," she said. "And so that method has been helpful, but developing more sustainable objective measures is definitely something we're working toward.”

The initiative is supported by funds from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.