About the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board:

Who We Are-

The Mountain Area Workforce Development Board (MAWDB) is created through federal legislation and serves Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties. Over 50% of the Board's membership is comprised of representatives from private industry. The remaining members represent Economic Development Agencies, Education, Community Based Organizations, Local Government and Others.

Our budget approaches $2 million and we allocate those funds for skill training in the four-county area. Our services are free of charge for job seekers and training seekers. Services for employers and businesses are also free of charge unless otherwise noted. 

What Does The MAWDB Do?

• Develops a single, comprehensive strategic plan for the four-county area by identifying workforce development issues and the needs of local businesses.
• Continually evaluates and assesses workforce needs and assures quality programs to meet those needs.
• The Workforce Development Board allocates funds for a number of job training programs.
• Promotes partnerships and maintains active involvement of business, industry and education.
• Selects operators of the JobLink Career Centers and oversees the operation of centers in each county.
• Oversees the delivery of all workforce development job training programs.
• Advises elected bodies on workforce development issues.

Our Core Beliefs

• Every individual deserves an opportunity to make a living wage with benefits.
• People can successfully be engaged in and advance in the workforce if provided the necessary encouragement, training and support.
• The Local Area economy depends on having a skilled, diverse, motivated and adaptable workforce.
• Partnerships and collaborations among government, business, and community-based stakeholders are essential for building and sustaining an effective Workforce Development System.
• The Workforce Development System must be held accountable and measurement of its overall performance made public.