Work Talk
Work Talk is a podcast about happenings in the region’s businesses. Businesses that participate in the podcast have the opportunity to tell their story; who are they, what do they do and what do they need to be competitive? Job seekers, through listening to the podcast, have the opportunity to learn about business needs and expectations and how they might prepare to go to work for a particular business and/or in a particular industry. We recognize that the more we understand about what businesses want/need, the more likely we are to meet that need.
For more information about Work Talk, contact Marty Holliday at marty.holliday@vcwnrmr.com or 540-357-0651
E64: Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating WIOA’s Career Programs
In this episode, you’ll learn about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and some of its programs serving adults, dislocated workers, and youth. Get ready to discover how WIOA, a reauthorization of the 2014 Workforce Investment Act, is designed to strengthen our nation’s public workforce system and empower adults, youth, and those facing employment barriers, to access high-quality careers.
E63: Transforming Lives, Building the Regional Economy: A Grants and Funding Update
In this episode, you’ll hear an update about grants awarded to the New River/Mt. Rogers Workforce Development Board. Join us as we delve into the various programs and the efforts underway to build a skilled and confident labor force, especially for those individuals who face barriers to employment. You’ll also hear about how work-based learning opportunities and certifications in healthcare, manufacturing, and construction are helping transform lives, and three new grants awarded from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
E62: The SHOW Workshop- Supporting Rural Small Businesses with Retention and Workforce Productivity
In this episode, you’ll hear about an initiative that provides rural labor market and employee training. Discover the range of topics covered in the workshops and trainings and the potential outcomes for participating businesses. Discover how the SHOW workshop provides employees with tools that can be used to improve their functionality and productivity at work.
E61: Improving the Capacity and Quality of Regional Childcare
Access to quality childcare is an important part of developing a talent pipeline and meeting workforce needs. In this episode, you’ll hear about the efforts underway to increase the operational capacity and quality of childcare providers and to add 100 early childhood teachers to the region.
E60: Regional Funding and Services for 2023
In this episode, you’ll hear from Marty Holliday, Executive Director of the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area, and Deputy Director Jenny Bolte, as they provide an overview of some of the new regional funding for 2023 and the innovative services that the funding will provide.
E59: How the Regional Workforce System Is Helping Meet Recruitment and Retention Needs
In this episode, the conversation continues about how the regional workforce system is helping to meet recruitment and retention needs. You’ll hear from 2 employers, one from the New River Valley Regional Jail, and the other from Parkdale Mills, as they discuss available jobs and careers in their organizations. They also share their recruitment and retention strategies, as well as the benefits that they offer their employees.
E58: Recruitment and Retention Initiatives and Strategies
As the worker shortage persists in the region, this episode continues the conversation about the initiatives and strategies underway to help businesses with their recruitment and retention needs. Discover the importance of vetting candidates and assessing fair and equitable compensation. You’ll also hear about how analyzing exit data can help companies improve their business practices and culture.
E57: The Production Technician Career Pathway
In this episode, you’ll hear about the production technician career pathway, funded by a YouthBuild grant. Discover details about the development of the production technician program and hear from a YouthBuild participant about why he chose this program and the benefits he has received so far from participating.
E56: Recruitment, Retention and Career Pathways
In this episode, you’ll hear from area employers as they reveal their strategies for recruiting and retaining talent. Discover career opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare and innovative recruitment and retention practices.
E55: The Youth Career Exploration Camp
In this episode, you’ll hear details about the Youth Career Exploration Camp, which provides youth with an opportunity to explore high-wage, high-demand careers in the region. You’ll also hear directly from participants about what they have enjoyed most about the program.
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