Work Talk

In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts underway to support second chance employment. Even in the best of times, it is difficult for individuals with criminal records to access employment, and yet employment is a crucial part of helping people in recovery and justice-involved individuals to rebuild their lives. You'll also hear about why employers should tap into this valuable and often unt...

In this episode the conversation continues about the POWER Initiative (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) and particularly peer recovery specialists. Discover the criteria for becoming a peer recovery specialist as well as the application and training process.

In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts that are underway in the region to attract and retain talent in the skilled trades. Phil Callicott , Founder of the The Trades Training Initiative, discusses the vision that his organization has for developing in the construction industry and how the Trades Training Initiative is bringing together local businesses, nonprofits, and workers to address c...

In this episode, you'll hear about the STRONG Accountable Care Community (STRONG ACC). Discover the history of the organization, and how the STRONG ACC is helping to break down barriers, improve inter-agency coordination of services, better address social determinants of health, and improve health and wellbeing for individuals, families, and communities.

This episode takes a deeper dive into The Appalachian Regional Commission's POWER program, particularly those elements that support recovery for individuals and families impacted by substance abuse. Discover the efforts being made to create a recovery ecosystem, and the importance of combining the efforts of multiple organizations. 

In June of 2021, the US Department of Labor announced the award of 89 million dollars in grants in 31 states and Puerto Rico to help youth ages 16 to 24, who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market. YouthBuild grants support a pre-apprenticeship model to help these youth learn valuable occupational skills.  In this episode, you'll hear from 2 organizations in Virginia...

In this episode, you'll hear from 2 regional economic development leaders about how they work with the Virginia Economic Development and the efforts that are underway to support and grow targeted industries. Discover the importance of placemaking and infrastructure improvements in attracting and retaining businesses and talent to the region. 

In this episode, you'll learn about Strengthening Our System, Inc. (SOS) and the services that they provide for individuals with disabilities and individuals with mental health concerns. Discover the history of the organization, the job opportunities that are available, and the necessary requirements to get started in this field. 

In this episode, you'll discover the story of Blue Ridge Designs, a Carroll County-based screen-printed apparel manufacturer. Discover the job opportunities available with Blue Ridge Designs, and the application and hiring process. 

In this episode, you'll hear from a guest panel about the Virginia Road to Success Program (RSVP) which focuses on helping individuals increase self-sufficiency through stable continuous employment. Discover the key partnerships that help the RSVP program to assist participants in obtaining employment that leads to self-sufficiency along an identified career pathway.       

Stephen Moret, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, joins the program to discuss the work that his organization is doing to advance economic growth and economic development across the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also discusses the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Virginia's economy and the efforts that are underway to help the state fully recover. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative. The initiative targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing economics of America's energy production. Discover h...

In this episode, you'll hear about youth programming available in the region. Discover eligibility requirements, services offered, and how to connect youth to educational and training opportunities to achieve their overall employment goals. 

This community awareness podcast provides an update on available job seeker services and programs. Discover how to connect with employers during the COVID-19 pandemic, how to identify training opportunities and wraparound services, and more.  

Rick Sizemore, Media Specialist at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and former Director of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, joins the program to discuss the mission and impact of the VR Workforce Studio Podcast. Rick reveals what it's like to host and produce the podcast, and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had both on the delivery of services to pe...

Jenny Bolte, Deputy Director of the New River Mt. Rogers Workforce Development Board, returns to the program to provide an update about the Pathways to the American Dream grant, as well as 2 new projects that are funded through the Virginia community college system. Discover how to get training for an in-demand healthcare career, and eligibility requirements.

In this episode, you'll hear updates about Virginia's unemployment insurance system, and changes that have occurred since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. You'll hear about changes both from a regional and state perspective. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the Ticket to Work Program, a free and voluntary program offered by Social Security that can help people age 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and who are interested in returning to work or working for the first time. You'll also hear from a Ticket to Work participant about the impact that this program had on her life. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the Virginia Ready Initiative, a newly established nonprofit organization formed in response to the economic hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how VA Ready and its partners provide incentives for motivated, out-of-work Virginians to reskill for in-demand jobs in high-growth sectors.

In part 2 of this 2-part community awareness podcast, you'll hear about how the New River Mt. Roger Workforce Development Board has innovated and continued to serve business needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In part 1 of this 2-part community awareness podcast, you'll hear about how the New River Mt. Roger Workforce Development Board has innovated and continued to serve business needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the online resource guidebook created by the New River Valley Task Force Recovery Team. Discover how to access the guidebook, why it was created and what businesses need to consider as they reopen. 

In this community awareness podcast, designed to provide crucial information during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll hear about an upcoming virtual job fair. Discover some of the employers who are participating and the range of jobs that are available. 

In this community awareness podcast, designed to bring you crucial information during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll discover how you can prepare for job opportunities while staying at home. 

As many employees transition from working in an office to working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode explores tips for successfully adjusting to working from home. Discover how to create a work/life balance, what to consider when choosing a workspace, and how to maintain a sense of connection when working virtually.