The state's Rural Economic Development Center issued a report Monday calling for Gov. Pat McCrory to create a North Carolina Manufacturing Council that would develop policy for the state.

The council would examine the labor needs of the manufacturing sector, identify markets for the products produced here, and identify factors that are keeping North Carolina from being more competitive.

The council would also work with government and industry to come up with policies and practices to accelerate growth in manufacturing. The Rural Center report says the council should be established by May and deliver an agenda by May 2014.

The report is the product of a year-long effort by the Rural Center to determine how to better create job and income growth in the state's manufacturing sector.

In March, the Rural Center plans offer up other recommendations for expanding manufacturing opportunities, particularly among small firms located in rural portions of the state.

The state's manufacturing sector, which employs about 440,000 people, is getting a lot of attention this week. It is also the focus of N.C. State's two-day Emerging Issues Forum, which is being held at the Raleigh Convention Center today and tomorrow.

To read the full report go here.

The North Carolina Rural Economic Development Center has awarded 25 grants to universities, organizations, companies and municipalities to train young people for skilled jobs in high-demand fields.

The state said the grants, part of its New Generation Careers and New Generation Leaders programs, will create 450 jobs, place 500 young adults in an additional 500 permanent jobs and increase youth engagement.

The center began the New Generation Initiative last fall and the first round of grants was awarded in the New Generation Ventures program earlier this year – that initiative encourages young people to start businesses in rural communities.

Locally, Central Carolina Community College receives $100,000 to train 75 young adults between the ages of 18 and 30 and place 40 in jobs with health care employers in Harnett County. The city of Wilson gets $50,000 to train 36 young people and place 20 in jobs. The city will train young people to repair and conserve sculptures in Wilson County.

Johnston Community College received $46,123 for training 120 and placing 30 young adults. These young people will train for manufacturing jobs.

Lee County Industries received $75,000 to train 60 young adults and put 30 in jobs. This project will target individuals with disabilities or other employment barriers in Chatham and Lee Counties.