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Wilmington, NC – June 15, 2021 – StepUp Wilmington is excited to announce another step forward in its mission with the launch of a new brand, Beyond Talent.

Beyond Talent will serve as the job placement division for StepUp Wilmington, building off of StepUp’s existing training model. Since August 2020, Beyond Talent has secured 20 contracts with companies in the Cape Fear area and placed 23 candidates into jobs with an average wage of $13.20/hour. “We are excited about the evolution and launch of Beyond Talent, and the opportunities it creates for candidates seeking work and businesses looking to hire work ready talent in the Cape Fear area,” says Will Rikard, Executive Director of StepUp Wilmington.

The goal of Beyond Talent is to create more, better paying career opportunities for graduates of StepUp Wilmington’s programming. This will support business growth in our region and create a self-sustaining funding stream for StepUp Wilmington.

Beyond Talent was inspired by other successful workforce development organizations like Cara Connects in Chicago. Their design is based on an alternative staffing model that uses market-based approaches focusing on an individual’s long-term success. StepUp Wilmington is excited to add Beyond Talent to their list of ever-growing strategies to reduce poverty and increase prosperity and opportunity for all Cape Fear region residents.

For more information about StepUp Wilmington, visit www.stepupwilmington.org or contact info@stepupwilmington.org. StepUp Wilmington is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.