# Workforce as Critical Infrastructure: Following North Carolina's Model w/ John Loyack

- Show: [The Manufacturing Executive](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive)
- Published: 2025-08-12
- Episode: 270
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-08-12-workforce-as-critical-infrastructure-following-north-carolinas-model-w-john-loya
- Listen: https://www.spreaker.com/show/the-manufacturing-executive#episode-29473431-3a32-452e-bc3b-531049b7cfb9

## Summary

John Loyack, Vice President of Economic Development for the North Carolina Community College System, explains how North Carolina transformed from a textile and furniture hub into a diversified manufacturing powerhouse by treating its workforce as critical infrastructure. He details the state's strategy of integrating customized training programs like NC Edge and Apprenticeship NC with university and industry partnerships to attract major companies like IBM and Pratt & Whitney. Loyack emphasizes that successful site selection now depends on a state's ability to provide tailored talent assessments, leadership development, and flexible learning models that address specific skills gaps for both new and existing businesses.

## Chapters

- [0:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-08-12-workforce-as-critical-infrastructure-following-north-carolinas-model-w-john-loya#t=38) Introduction: John Loyack and North Carolina's Manufacturing Evolution
- [4:05](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-08-12-workforce-as-critical-infrastructure-following-north-carolinas-model-w-john-loya#t=245) Historical Context: From Textiles to Research Triangle Park and Biotech
- [9:43](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-08-12-workforce-as-critical-infrastructure-following-north-carolinas-model-w-john-loya#t=583) Workforce as Critical Infrastructure: The Site Selection Imperative
- [13:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-08-12-workforce-as-critical-infrastructure-following-north-carolinas-model-w-john-loya#t=781) NC Edge and Customized Training: Talent Assessments and Flexible Delivery
- [21:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-08-12-workforce-as-critical-infrastructure-following-north-carolinas-model-w-john-loya#t=1285) Leadership Development and Soft Skills in Modern Manufacturing
- [24:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2025-08-12-workforce-as-critical-infrastructure-following-north-carolinas-model-w-john-loya#t=1449) Navigating State Resources: Centralizing Support and National Comparisons

## Topics

- [Hiring & workforce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/hiring-and-workforce)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)

## Most relevant to

large enterprises

## Mentioned

- North Carolina Community College System (company)
- NC Edge (product)
- Apprenticeship NC (product)
- BioNetwork (product)
- Research Triangle Park (other)
- North Carolina Biotech Center (company)
- IBM (company)
- Pratt & Whitney (company)
- Guerrilla 76 (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [210: Technical Education, Apprenticeships, and Addressing the Needs of Industry Today and in the Future with Ashley Furniture and Western Technical College](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-11-05-210-technical-education-apprenticeships-and-addressing-the-needs-of-industry-tod) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Inside Conexus Indiana: The Industry Network Driving Manufacturing Tech and Talent | Ep. 46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-07-31-inside-conexus-indiana-the-industry-network-driving-manufacturing-tech-and-talen) (Lights Out)
- [219: How Skillwork Is Like Travel Nursing for Manufacturing Talent Featuring Brett Elliott and Tim Raglin of Skillwork](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2025-01-14-219-how-skillwork-is-like-travel-nursing-for-manufacturing-talent-featuring-bret) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [198: Manufacturing’s Role in the Resurgence of Rust Belt Cities with Drew Crowe, Live from 4 Hands Brewing Company in St. Louis, MO](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2024-08-13-198-manufacturings-role-in-the-resurgence-of-rust-belt-cities-with-drew-crowe-li) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [302: Philly's Answer to the Talent Shortage (LIVE in King of Prussia, PA)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-09-15-302-phillys-answer-to-the-talent-shortage-live-in-king-of-prussia-pa) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)

## Citing this page

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