The Gaston County Workforce Development Board (WDB), a public-private organization, assists businesses with all phases of the workforce—helping them locate, screen, select or train workers. The WDB provides valuable tools, services and support—at little or no cost—to employers and job seekers. By leveraging many resources, the WDB consults with current or relocating businesses and economic developers to deliver customized workforce development solutions. More importantly, the WDB can help employers and job seekers navigate a frequently complex network of education, government and private-sector resources to build a workforce that meets current and future needs, and boosts competitiveness and profitability.

We serve individuals and businesses within our area by providing access to the programs and services that help employers find and train the best employees, and alternatively help individuals gain training and education to become more employable. Our offerings are multi-faceted and we collaborate with a multitude of businesses, educational and training institutions, community agencies, as well as regional and state government representatives. Our work reaches adults seeking more meaningful careers, dislocated workers aiming to regain employment, and youth focused on getting the right start.

The Gaston County Workforce Development Board is one of twenty-two workforce Development Boards located throughout North Carolina. We are made up of a group of community and business leaders appointed by local elected officials. Additionally, we are locally staffed by individuals with years of experience in our specific local and regional economy.

WDB and WIOA

The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) provides funds that support the program and activities of North Carolina’s Workforce Development Boards.  North Carolina’s WDBs partner with the North Carolina Division of Workforce Solutions, a division of the Department of Commerce.  The Workforce Development Boards are designated by the Governor to be the state administrative entity that receives funds under the federal WIOA.

Through WIOA there are program opportunities for Adults, Dislocated Workers, and Youth.  The Division of Workforce Solutions also provides Veteran Employment Services, programs specifically tailored for Veterans who are seeking new careers. Through the work at the local WDB level we help employers find the qualified talent they need to ensure their business prospers.

Gaston NCWorks Career Centers

The NCWorks Career Center- Gaston offers employment services to both individual Job Seekers, as well as Employers. Individuals can obtain assistance with Resumé Preparation, Career Development and specific skills training. We host Job Fairs, as well as being able to direct you to potential employers. Employers utilize these locations for Job Fairs, Interview sites, and as a place to conduct skills training.

The NCWorks Career Center- Gaston

The NCWorks Career Center-Gaston County, currently located at 1391 Bessemer City Road in Gastonia, will relocate to Loray Mill this summer. The current location is scheduled to close on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The Center will then reopen to the public at Loray Mill, 300 S. Firestone St., Suite 100A, in Gastonia, in early-mid July.

For NCWorks services during the transition to the new location, customers should reach out to Career Center staff at (980) 460-8240. Alternatively, they can visit the Center in its temporary location at the Gaston County Public Library Main Branch at 1555 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia, NC. The Center’s temporary, in-person hours will be Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

NCWorks Adult/DW & NextGenYouth Center Office

The NCWorks Career Center-Gaston County, currently located at 1391 Bessemer City Road in Gastonia, will relocate to Loray Mill this summer. The current location is scheduled to close on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. The Center will then reopen to the public at Loray Mill, 300 S. Firestone St., Suite 100A, in Gastonia, in early July.

For NCWorks services during the transition to the new location, customers should reach out to Career Center staff at (980) 460-8240. Alternatively, they can visit the Center in its temporary location at the Gaston County Public Library Main Branch at 1555 E. Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia, NC. The Center’s temporary, in-person hours will be Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.