Watauga EDC hears update on RISE workforce initiative
WATAUGA — The Watauga Economic Development Commission heard an in-depth presentation on the progress of RISE Caldwell Watauga, a workforce initiative designed to connect local students with employers and expand work-based learning opportunities across the region.
RISE Executive Director Tara Brossa outlined the program’s development and the launch of its first student cohort, set to begin in January. The Regional Initiative for Skilled Employment focuses on preparing students ages 15 to 18 for careers through internships, pre-apprenticeships and registered apprenticeships.
Brossa said the initiative has moved quickly since the fall, noting that interest has grown among both students and employers.
“I can say we have 40 student applications and at least 12 new businesses that want to partner,” Brossa told the commission. “It’s very exciting.”
RISE is initially focusing on four workforce areas: health care, hospitality, manufacturing and skilled trades. However, Brossa said the program will also support other student interests, even those outside the core focus areas.
The program offers coaching, mentorship and ongoing support to help students succeed in workplace settings. Brossa emphasized the need to guide teenagers as they step into environments typically reserved for adults.
“I’m going to be asking 16-, 17-, 18-year-old students to enter into a workforce and hold space that is typically reserved for adults,” she said. “There’s going to have to be coaching and failures and lessons learned as we go along.”
RISE has also added incentives to reduce barriers. Students will receive a $150 monthly transportation stipend and up to a $150 performance bonus based on employer feedback. Brossa said a new partnership with ApprenticeshipNC will also provide businesses with $500 per mentor and give students an additional $500 completion bonus.
Students begin by completing a simplified digital application. Afterward, they take part in a RISE interview, followed by an interview with a participating business. Brossa said the goal is to prepare students for a real hiring experience.
“I want them to come prepared like they are applying for a job, because they are,” she said.
Students unable to begin immediately may be offered job shadowing, shorter internships or summer placements. Homeschool students are also eligible, and Brossa said at least two have already applied.
Businesses are screened to ensure they can offer meaningful, hands-on learning. Employers complete electronic surveys using RISE’s evaluation model, which helps determine student performance bonuses.
High-performing students may transition into a registered apprenticeship, making them eligible for tuition waivers through ApprenticeshipNC.
Brossa said RISE aims to address workforce shortages while helping students gain clear, supported pathways into in-demand careers. According to data shared in her presentation, 19% of Caldwell County residents ages 16 to 24 are neither working nor in school.
“My goal is to hopefully, when this report comes out again in five years, to greatly close that gap,” she said.
She emphasized that RISE is designed to “keep talent local” by preparing students to enter the community’s workforce and helping employers build long-term leadership pipelines.
The commission expressed support for the initiative, and members asked about assessments, employer engagement and ongoing communication strategies. Brossa said the program is evolving and will continue to expand its resources, including exploring a “dress for success” model to help students with professional attire.
November 27, 2025: Watauga EDC hears update on RISE workforce initiative Nick Fogleman nick.fogleman@wataugademocrat.com
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