Orange County NC Website
41 <br /> Orange County's healthcare sector is undergoing significant growth, led by key institutions like UNC <br /> Health Care and Duke Health. UNC Health Care's construction of a state-of-the-art surgical <br /> hospital tower will increase the demand for healthcare professionals,while Duke Hospitals is <br /> advancing several projects in response to the region's healthcare needs.With an aging population <br /> in Orange County,the demand for supportive living facilities with integrated healthcare services is <br /> also expected to grow.These developments underscore the region's economic dynamism,fueled <br /> by both technological innovation and the expansion of essential healthcare infrastructure. <br /> How do the skills and education of the current workforce correspond to employment <br /> opportunities in the jurisdiction? <br /> Orange County's workforce remains highly educated,with 62%of residents aged 25 and over <br /> holding a bachelor's degree or higher, reflecting a slight increase from previous years.This high <br /> Level of educational attainment aligns with the county's workforce demands, as educational <br /> services (29.0%)and healthcare and social assistance(24.8%) remain the largest employment <br /> sectors.The county's strong emphasis on education ensures a well-qualified labor force to support <br /> these critical industries. <br /> Describe any current workforce training initiatives, including those supported by Workforce <br /> Investment Boards,community colleges and other organizations. Describe how these efforts <br /> will support the jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan. <br /> NCWorks Career Center- Located in Carrboro,the NCWorks Career Center provides a <br /> comprehensive range of employment and training services at no charge. Services include: <br /> • Career Assessment&Counseling: Personalized guidance to help individuals identify <br /> suitable career paths. <br /> • Workshops: Both on-site and virtual sessions coveringjob search strategies, resume <br /> writing, and interview preparation. <br /> • Training& Education Information:Access to information on educational programs and <br /> certifications to enhance employability. <br /> • Community Resource Referrals: Connections to various support services and partner <br /> programs. <br /> • Unemployment Claims Assistance: Help with filing and managing unemployment benefits. <br /> Durham Technical Community College—Orange County Campus-Situated just south of <br /> Hillsborough, Durham Technical Community College's Orange County Campus offers a variety of <br /> academic and continuing education programs.The campus provides a Health and Wellness <br /> curriculum, serving as a foundation for students aiming to pursue healthcare-related degrees. <br /> Programs include over 20 long-term and university transfer careers, as well as more than 20 short- <br /> term pathways including community health worker, medical coding, and nursing and dental <br /> certificate programs. Long-term programs include associates degrees in: <br /> • Nursing: Prepares students for licensure and practice as registered nurses. <br /> 38 <br />