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
E16: Filling Middle Skill High-Demand Occupations
In this episode you’ll learn about the Pathways to The American Dream project. The geographic area to be served by the project (roughly 25% of the state of Virginia) encompasses 25 counties, 8 cities and includes the Alleghaney Highlands, Roanoke Valley, West Piedmont, New River Valley and extends to Southwest Virginia.The goals of the project include creating a regional workforce strategy for sector partnerships in the Manufacturing, Healthcare, and Information Technology industries, as well as increasing opportunities for un- and underemployed adults and incumbent workers to develop their skills and earn credentials in high-demand occupations.
E15: How to Prepare for Job Fairs
In this episode, you’ll learn about the job fairs going on the region, and how you can best prepare for a job fair and increase your chances for success!
E14: IT Careers in Virginia- Opportunities and Trends
In this episode you’ll discover initiatives in the region to help workers upskill and find well paying IT jobs. You’ll hear from companies who are looking for IT workers, and the impact that Amazon’s new headquarters may have on tech talent in Virginia.
E13: Providing Job Opportunities for Youth
In this episode, you’ll hear about WIOA youth programs in the region and how they help young people prepare for and obtain meaningful employment. Discover how programs are individualized in order to achieve successful outcomes.
E12: How to Tap Into The Labor Pool of Persons with Disabilities
In this episode you’ll discover how and why the business community is choosing to tap into the labor market of persons with disabilities. You’ll also learn about the various services and supports that are available to support both job seekers and employers.
Mentioned in this episode:
Pathways to the American Dream Project
Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center
VR Workforce Studio Podcast
E11: The Power of Apprenticeships
In this episode you’ll discover why apprenticeships have become such a hot topic today and the power they have to help fill the skills gap in a tight labor market. You’ll hear real stories about successful apprenticeship programs and the takeaway and lessons learned from those experiences.
Mentioned in this episode:
Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board
Virginia Department of Labor and Industry
Registered Apprenticeship Program
E10: Attracting and Retaining Talent to Build The Local Economy
In this episode, you’ll discover what’s happening in the region to attract and retain top talent in a tight labor market. You’ll hear about the connection between the education, business and workforce systems and how they all work together to create a talent pipeline and support economic development.
Mentioned in this episode:
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Virginia’s Industrial Advancement Alliance
E9: Giles County Youth Work Program- Best Practices for the Region
Today you’ll hear about the Giles County Summer Youth Work Program and the takeaways for other programs in the region. Employment not only allows young people to cover expenses for themselves and their families- it also provides valuable opportunities for them to apply academic skills and learn occupation-specific as well as general “world of work” skills; such as teamwork, time management and problem solving.
Mentioned in this episode:
Giles County Summer Youth Work Program
E8: Pathways to the American Dream- Enhancing Workforce Development Capacity
In this episode you’ll hear from Jenny Bolte, Project Manager, Kimber Simmons, Business Services Coordinator and Liz Annis, Workforce System Navigator as they discuss an initiative that is helping to meet the workforce needs of area employers as well as helping job seekers find meaningful full-time employment.
Mentioned in this episode:
Pathways to the American Dream Project
E7: Volvo’s New River Valley Plant- Creating Great Jobs and World Class Trucks
Franky Marchand, Vice President and General Manager of the Volvo New River Valley plant joins the program to explain the work that they do at the plant, the job opportunities that are available, and their new customer center. He also discusses the qualities that they look for in job applicants.
Mentioned in this episode:
Volvo’s New River Valley Plant
network.