Forsyth Tech, Reynolds American Launch Future-Ready Workforce Alliance to Build Careers and Opportunity

Winston-Salem, N.C. (October 7, 2025) - Forsyth Technical Community College, in partnership with the Reynolds American organization (Reynolds), is proud to announce the launch of the Future-Ready Workforce Alliance, a bold new initiative designed to close the skills gap, prepare workers for in-demand jobs, and strengthen the economy in Forsyth and Stokes Counties and across the region.

The Future-Ready Workforce Alliance is a collaborative effort uniting education, business, and community partners to tackle one of the region's most urgent challenges - the shortage of skilled workers. Nearly half of adults aged 25-44 in Forsyth and Stokes Counties lack a degree or credential, limiting their access to higher-wage jobs and impacting the ability of local employers to grow. The Alliance will address this gap by offering fast, targeted training programs aligned with the needs of the region's most critical industries, including health sciences, transportation and logistics, advanced manufacturing, and technology.

As the founding partner, Reynolds has played a critical role in bringing this initiative to life.

Through the Alliance, jobseekers, and current employees will have access to customized, flexible education pathways that combine classroom learning with real-world experience. This approach allows participants to start working quickly, continue their education while employed, and advance their careers over time. Employers benefit by developing and retaining a skilled, reliable workforce - a solution designed to meet the evolving needs of business and industry.

"The Future-Ready Workforce Alliance will unlock potential and help people change the trajectory of their lives while giving employers a reliable, work-ready talent pipeline," said Dr. Janet Spriggs, President of Forsyth Tech. "We are grateful to Reynolds American for serving as our founding partner and helping make this vision a reality."

"At Reynolds, we believe that investing in people is the key to building stronger businesses and more resilient communities," said Shay Mustafa, Chief Communications Officer, Reynolds American Inc. "As the founding partner of the Future-Ready Workforce Alliance, we're taking action to shape the future of work and strengthen our region's talent pipeline. We invite other companies to join us in this effort-because a future-ready workforce benefits us all."

By prioritizing educational attainment and economic mobility, the Future-Ready Workforce Alliance enhances workplace benefits at Reynolds and opportunities for employees to learn and grow with the company," said Mark Owens, President & CEO of Greater Winston-Salem, Inc. "With this initiative, Reynolds American Inc. and Forsyth Tech are setting an example that innovative and collaborative solutions can set us apart and provide benefits to employers, workers and job seekers, and the community as a whole. This program is another example of each institution's leadership and community impact as they celebrate 150 years and 65 years respectively."

Forsyth Tech and Reynolds are inviting additional employers and community partners to join the Alliance and be part of building a national model for workforce development. This collaboration represents a shared commitment to creating opportunity, supporting business growth, and shaping a stronger future for the entire community.

For more information about the Future-Ready Workforce Alliance - or to learn how your organization can become a partner - visit https://www.forsythtech.edu/futureready/

About Reynolds American Inc. Reynolds American Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of the global BAT Group and the U.S. parent company of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company, Inc., American Snuff Company, LLC, R.J. Reynolds Vapor Company, and Modoral Brands Inc. To learn more about Reynolds American Inc. and its operating companies, please visit www.reynoldsamerican.com .

About Forsyth Technical Community College

Forsyth Technical Community College is a catalyst for economic mobility, empowering lives, and transforming communities. The college offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in more than 200 programs of study, including programs that promote personal and professional development through non-credit courses and seminars, as well as customized training for business and industry. Forsyth Tech serves more than 21,000 students annually with approximately 1,500 full and part-time faculty and staff. For additional information, please visit forsythtech.edu and follow Forsyth Tech on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

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