Valerie Harriell Vice- President Human Resources at Volvo Penta of the Americas discusses gaps in certain skills which prevents workers from getting jobs. The structural barriers to employment are discussed along with local programs that help get students on the right track to vocational employment.

Jim Koch and Robert McNabb

conclude their discussion by presenting the changing dynamics in public education. The “one size fits all”

high school education is becoming obsolete. School divisions are creating Academies where students

learn specific skill sets to meet the demands in the workplace.

Businesses are telling educators that incoming workers lack

many skills necessary for success in the workplace. Jim Koch and Robert McNabb continue the

conversation about the local economy and how local school systems are adapting to meet workforce

needs.

Former ODU president Jim Koch and ODU Economics Professor

Robert McNabb reflect on the exodus of college graduates from the region and what this means for the

local economy.

Certifications as the new career pathway and entry into the job market. Vocational Education Programs often offer these certifications which are directly linked to the skills needed in many occupations.

Technology as the driving force in creating programs aimed at today’s job market. Vocational Education Programs are being created to specifically address needs in the workforce and internships are increasingly being developed and serve as an entry into the job market.

Aligning needed skills with business and industry needs. How school Vocational Education is filling the needed gaps in the workforce.

The current state of Vocational Education in Today’s Public Schools. Parents and students are looking closely at career paths and the cost of post high school education. The Virginia Beach City Public Schools Vocational Education Program has seen a dramatic increase in enrollment.

How the demise of DACA has caused fear within the immigrant community and a “return to the shadows” by many.

Beatrice Amberman, Vice-Chair of the Virginia Coalition of Latino Organizations discusses the confusion that emerged after Congress failed to create comprehensive immigration reform and states attempted to pass their own policies.