Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech) is launching a work-based learning ecosystem for high school students in Western North Carolina, thanks to over $1 million in grant funding. The initiative aims to equip students with skills for well-paying jobs in high-demand industries in the region.
The funding, which includes $750,000 from the North Carolina GSK Foundation and nearly $300,000 from Dogwood Health Trust, will support ABM Works, a regional program focused on Buncombe and Madison counties. The program seeks to connect high school students with local employers for hands-on training and job placement.
ABM Works will focus on preparing students for careers in healthcare, early childhood education, advanced manufacturing, and skilled trades. The initiative is designed to address employment and education disruptions caused by Helene. The program aims to help students earn while they learn and provide local employers with the skilled talent they need.
Program Details
ABM Works will create a coordinated system linking high schools, employers, and A-B Tech. A-B Tech is leading the initiative, with involvement from school systems, local governments, and the Chamber of Commerce. Staff will be hired to support high schools.
The program is a response to workforce gaps and aims to build a skilled local talent pool for in-demand sectors. The initiative involves partnerships for gap analysis and expanded staffing. More details can be found on A-B Tech’s Work-Based Learning programs page.
Related Developments
A-B Tech is also partnering with Per Scholas on a separate $1 million grant from the BlackRock Foundation for free IT training. This program aims to provide training to residents in rural WNC. Training will focus on areas such as cybersecurity and software engineering.
Buncombe County has approved a $5 million match for A-B Tech’s WNC Futures Factory, a $40 million manufacturing hub focused on workforce reskilling. These efforts are intended to boost job readiness in the region.
The ABM Works initiative and related developments represent a significant investment in workforce development in Western North Carolina, with the goal of providing students with valuable skills and connecting them with opportunities in high-demand industries.