CAWD Awarded $5.8M to Help Laid-Off Workers Return to Work

Losing a job can mean more than losing a paycheck. It can disrupt a family’s stability, shake someone’s confidence, and leave an experienced worker wondering what comes next.  A new $5.8 million grant will help CAWD provide the support people need to move forward.

Awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Rapid Reskill Dislocated Worker grant will fund a three-year initiative serving 628 laid-off workers across central and southeastern North Carolina. CAWD will lead the effort in partnership with the Mid-Carolina and Lumber River Workforce Development Boards, the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Division of Workforce Solutions, and NC LEAD.

Support when it matters most

The initiative aims to connect with workers within 30 days of a layoff, helping them understand their options and develop a plan for training and employment.Participants will receive personalized career guidance that builds on their experience, skills, and interests. Whether someone needs help identifying a new career direction or training to qualify for an in-demand position, the program is designed to help them take practical steps toward a well-paying job with room to grow.

Turning experience into new opportunities

The initiative will bring together career advisors, employers, and education partners through four connected strategies:

• Early outreach and career planning by working with employers that have announced layoffs
• Employer-connected career pathways as workforce teams will work with businesses to identify talent needs and develop work-based learning opportunities, including Registered Apprenticeships.
• Short-term training for in-demand jobs. Participants will have access to training designed around employer needs, including industry-recognized credentials and relevant AI skills, to help them return to work more quickly.
• The program will emphasize opportunities in advanced manufacturing and construction, particularly with employers adopting innovative technologies.

A regional effort with a personal impact

The partnership will serve workers in urban and rural communities across 15 counties:

Capital Area: Chatham, Johnston, Lee, Orange, and Wake
Lumber River: Bladen, Hoke, Richmond, Robeson, and Scotland
Mid-Carolina: Cumberland, Harnett, Montgomery, Moore, and Sampson

By combining regional resources with individual support, this initiative will help workers recognize the value of their experience, gain new skills, and connect with employers who need their talents.

For CAWD, the opportunity is clear: help people facing an uncertain moment build a more secure future for themselves and their families.