Work Talk

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.

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.

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.

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.

Robert McAden, Executive Director of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council joins the program. Robert discusses the types of IT companies in their membership and what their employee needs are.

This episode was recording live during the CPID Advanced Manufacturing Career Exploration Academy, which helps young people explore and consider a career in manufacturing.

Guests include:

Stephanie Surrett is the Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing's Center of Excellence Kimber Simmons is the Business Services Coordinator for the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board

This episode features an interview with Travis Staton,President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of Southwest Virginia, as he discusses the efforts that his organization is making towards building a career pipeline in Southwest Virginia and their upcoming Careers Expo for Youth.

To learn more, visit http://unitedwayswva.org/ and http://nrmrwib.org/

Vince Hatcher, site manager at Hollingsworth and Vose, discusses the story behind the company, the types of employment opportunities that are available, and what qualities and qualifications the company looks for in prospective employees.

Discover the story behind Mohawk Industries, a leader in flooring products, and the various opportunities that exist in their Hillsdale, VA plant. You'll learn about some surprising benefits that the company offers and the various career opportunities that exist within the organization.

About Mohawk Industries:

Mohawk Industries is the leading global flooring manufacturer that creates products to enhance residential and commercial spaces around the world. Mohawk's vertically integrated manufacturing and distribution processes provide competitive advantages in the production of carpet, rugs, ceramic tile, laminate, wood, stone and vinyl flooring

Today you'll learn about Somic America, located in Wytheville, VA, and the various positions that exist within the company. Discover what skill sets the company is looking for, what the hiring process looks like and some of the benefits of working for Somic America.

About Somic America: A leading supplier to the automotive manufacturing market, Somic America specializes in the manufacture of ball joints for suspension and steering systems, and rotary dampers for seat and tailgate applications.