Nancy Littlefield of Riverside Health System discusses how the health care industry needs to reach out to ensure that underprivileged communities are aware of the possibilities for medical careers, including those that do not require four year degrees.

What are the pathways to working in the health care field? Nancy Littlefield and Faye Gargiulo of Riverside Health System suggest introducing students as early as middle school to the possibilities of working in the health care industry, and emphasizing that the needed training can stretch from an introductory level course to a medical school degree.

Faye Gargiulo and Nancy Littlefield describe how community colleges and Riverside Health System partner to ensure that courses, certifications, and training programs are keeping up with the needs in an ever changing industry.

Faye Gargiulo of Riverside Health System discusses how Certified Nursing Assistants and other introductory level nursing positions may lead to higher skilled positions like RN’s and Nurse Practitioners.

Lisa Wornom Zahralddin details programs that offer training and the in demand jobs that employers are clamoring for. The Council for Workforce Development develops job training programs with local businesses and community colleges to help fill the gap for these jobs.

Veronica Hurd presents the Academy Model the system is creating. The Academy Model prepares students for specific careers in different disciplines.

ODU Economics Professor Dr Robert McNabb and former ODU President James Koch discuss the need to diversify our local economy and make education spending a priority to prepare for possible future base closings.

Directors at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science discuss how local community colleges and high schools can meet the increasing demand for workers within the aquaculture industry.

Susan Jacobs with Newport News Ship Building talks about the hiring process and the skills needed for this critical local industry.

Ron Huibers, President and CEO Volvo Penta of the Americas talks about the convergence between the mechanical to the new computer driven electronic approach to manufacturing. Aptitude with electronics is critical as a needed skill for the workplace. Workplace training with local community colleges and vocational schools presents opportunities for workers to gain these skills.