Master Tech Auto of Hickory, North Carolina received an NCWorks Award of Distinction for its part in strengthening the state’s workforce, according to a press release.

The award is given to those who either excel in receiving career training or those helping to offer career paths in their communities. Five individuals and an HVAC contractor were among others who also won an NCWorks Award of Distinction. 

The winners were announced by Governor Roy Cooper on October 12 at the 36th annual NCWorks Partnership Conference in Greensboro, North Carolina. The event hosted almost 700 workforce development professionals representing labor, state and federal government, education, community-based organizations, community colleges, and the private sector.

Master Tech Auto won the Outstanding Employer title. The business is a small, family-owned shop that partners with the NCWorks system to provide skill development opportunities for its community.

The shop has employed paid interns for several years through the NCWorks NextGen program of the Western Piedmont Workforce Development Board. It has trained a total of 11 adults, with one previous intern now employed at the shop as a full-time staff member. 

In addition, the shop also furnishes school supplies and hosts fundraisers for local schools, has advocated for the homeless, donates car repairs, and provides oil services to military families for no cost.

“This year’s inspiring award winners demonstrate our state’s commitment to expanding opportunity so that all North Carolinians can obtain good jobs and take care of their families," said Governor Cooper.