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North Carolina’s Longitudinal Data System for Workforce and Education

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About CFS

The Common Follow-up System (CFS) is a longitudinal repository of workforce and education data maintained by a collaborative effort between the North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Government Data Analytics Center and the Labor and Economic Analysis Division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The CFS contains data on participants in North Carolina public employment, training, and education programs going back to the late 1990's. The system also contains employment and wage information on all individuals working in UI-covered employment in North Carolina over the last 25 years, making it one of the largest sources of historical wage data in the nation.

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CFS Purpose

The purpose of the Common Follow-up System is to provide information on the educational and employment outcomes of participants in publicly supported educational, employment and training programs.

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Why CFS

The quality outcome information on participants of educational, employment, and training programs is essential for program planning, evaluation, and resource management.

Partners & Program Participants

How is the Common Follow-up System Operated?

Data Collection

Participating agencies submit data files containing information on demographics, program enrollment and completion, and other relevant program data. CFS also contains unemployment insurance wage records and industry information.

Data Validation

Once agency data files are received, a series of edit checks are performed for comparability and accuracy. Data files have to be reviewed, approved, and then loaded to data warehouses in the Government Data Analytics Center (GDAC) environment.

Data Confidentiality

The confidential nature of information in CFS mandates strict safeguards in the collection, storage and use of the data. CFS data are stored on secure servers through GDAC and are covered by MOA outlining strict confidentiality.

CFS Data Stories

Check out LEAD Feed articles related to CFS.

Older Workers in North Carolina’s Labor Market

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Insights on Post-Prison Employment from the NC Reentry Outcome Reporting System

Student wearing a mask with a bookbag on their shoulder.

Exploring the Short-Term Outcomes of North Carolina High School Graduates

Student wearing a mask with a bookbag on their shoulder.

Employment and Higher Education Enrollment of High School Graduates in the COVID-19 Era

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The Workforce Challenge in North Carolina’s Public and Private Schools During the COVID-19 Pandemic

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The Workforce Behind the Workforce: North Carolina’s Childcare Service Industry Throughout the Pandemic

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“Recession Scarring” for College Graduates Entering the Labor Market During a Downturn

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What Happened to North Carolina’s Restaurant Workers After the COVID-19 Recession?

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Wage Growth and Wage Inequality in North Carolina

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Low-Wage Workers and the K-Shaped Recovery in North Carolina

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Most Workers Who Lost Their Job During the Covid-19 Recession in North Carolina Were Quickly Re-Employed

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A Paycheck Is A Pathway Out of Prison: New Findings From North Carolina

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What Works in Workforce? The Impact of Apprenticeship on Laid-Off Workers

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From School to Prison: The Criminal Justice Outcomes of Youth with Disabilities in North Carolina

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The State of Reentry: An Update on Former Offenders in North Carolina’s Labor Market

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Higher Education Leads to Higher Earnings for Students with Disabilities in North Carolina

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The Labor Market for Former Offenders in North Carolina

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Better with a Bachelor’s? Employment and Wages of UNC Graduates versus Leavers

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Diverging Doctorates? Labor Market Outcomes of Professional & Academic Doctoral Programs in North Carolina

Winding road.

Pathways to Re-Entry: Former Offenders in North Carolina’s Workforce System

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Job-Finding & College Enrollment in North Carolina’s Tight Labor Market

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Out of Prison, Out of Work: A New Normal for Ex-Offenders in North Carolina?

Construction worker.

The Employment & Wages of Offenders in North Carolina Before & After Incarceration

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Pursuing an Associate Degree: Twists, Turns, & Wage Outcomes

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Out of Prison, Into the Workforce: Ex-Offenders and North Carolina’s Tight Labor Market

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The Highest-Paying College Majors in North Carolina