Work Talk

In this episode, you'll learn about a grant project aimed at bridging the skilled trades gap in the region. You'll also hear about the board's initiatives to develop sector partnerships and strategies in construction, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. The episode explores how these partnerships will help identify industry needs, develop targeted training programs, and support disadvantaged populations in accessing skilled employment opportunities. Tune in to discover how this impactful project aims to strengthen the region's workforce and benefit both businesses and job seekers alike.

The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board is transforming lives through impactful programs and partnerships. In this episode, you'll hear uplifting stories of second chances from former inmates gaining employment after reentering society, a woman rebuilding her life in recovery from substance abuse, nursing students graduating with support through workforce grants, and a manufacturing business benefiting from workforce training initiatives. These stories of reentry, recovery and accessing opportunity demonstrate the power of community support and resilience on the journey of positive change. Listen in for inspirational tales of lives turned around through workforce development.

This podcast features a discussion with the executive directors of two regional economic development organizations about their efforts to promote business growth, job creation, and talent development across southwest Virginia. They provide updates on the priorities and activities of their organizations, including workforce pipeline development, talent retention programs, business attraction and expansion efforts, and strategic marketing of the region. Discover the importance of collaboration between economic development groups to support the economic vitality of local communities.

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.

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.

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.

This episode was recorded live at the 2023 NAWB Forum as Marty Holliday shares her reflections on some of the things she learned while attending the Forum and also talks about her presentation on the return on investment of workforce development services for businesses.

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.

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.

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.