Gov. Cooper discusses ‘NC Job Ready’ in the Cape Fear

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Education leading to more jobs for North Carolinians was the main focus of Gov. Roy Cooper’s visit in the Cape Fear Region Tuesday afternoon.

Cooper got to see what one local community college is doing to ensure their students make a career for themselves after graduation.

“In order to get people good paying jobs, businesses have to tell us what they need from their employees,” Cooper said.

That’s where internships, like the one Southeastern Community College has, come into play.

“We’re focused on educational attainment and economic development,” Southeastern Community College President, Anthony Clarke said. “And the internship program does both of them.”

The governor agrees with everything the community college’s internship program stands for.

“Having small businesses work with the community colleges to create these internships so that they can get people to help out and hopefully groom good employees for the future,” Cooper said. “And the interns can get on the job training and experience as well as working to get their education that they need.”

The governor stopped by the community college to discuss the internship opportunities with staff and students.

“It’s an honor to have him here. Just shows that he cares about small communities like we are,” Student, David Bryson said.

Cooper also highlighted his job readiness initiative called NC Job Ready.

“I’m excited about the potential because jobs are out there we’ve just got to get people the training and skills that they need to put more money in their pockets,” Cooper said.

The three core principles include skills and education attainment, employer leadership, and local innovation.

“We’re in a race with innovation,” Cooper said. “And even in our rural areas the kinds of jobs that are out there are changing dramatically because of the advancements in technology and innovation.”

Cooper also stressed the importance of keeping the jobs generated through internships local to improve the Columbus County community and economy.