Work Talk

In this community awareness podcast dedicated to providing crucial information during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll learn about virtual job seeker workshops and how to access them. 

This episode features another episode with 1901 Group and their recent expansion in Virginia. Discover how 1901 Group is recruiting candidates and preparing the talent pipeline, and why the IT sector will be even more crucial then ever as more people work virtually. 

In this special community awareness podcast designed to provide crucial information during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll learn about the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Discover eligibility requirements, loan details and how to apply. 

In this special community awareness podcast, you'll discover how to file unemployment insurance when offices are closed. You'll learn how to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance, what's next, and the changes that have been made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the Wytheville Community College, and the various programs that are available to help students start a meaningful career in a high demand occupation. Discover the options available for students, including transfer and concurrent enrollment opportunities. 

This episode features an interview with Lennie Gail Mitcham, Executive Director of SVAM, The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing. You'll discover how SVAM supports and strengthens manufacturers in the region, and hear industry success stories.  

In this episode you'll hear from 2 members of the team at the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board as they discuss the business services provided in the region. Discover real-world success stories across various industries. 

In this episode, we continue to discuss the topic of credit for prior learning and prior learning assessments. The previous episode discussed the overall concept of prior learning assessment (PLA) and the benefit for job seekers and employers. In this episode, you'll hear success stories about credit for prior learning and prior learning assessment and takeaways from those examples. 

In this episode, you'll learn about Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), and its importance for education and the workforce system. Discover the work that is being done in the region when it comes to PLA and credit for prior learning, and the benefits for job seekers, the education system, and employers. 

In this episode, you'll learn about Virginia Tech's Office of Economic Development, the work that they are doing to support economic development in Virginia, and the history of their partnership with the workforce system.

In this episode you'll hear from Brendan Walsh from the 1901 Group, as he discusses the work that his organization does delivering innovative IT solutions. He also reveals what they look for in potential applicants and retention strategies. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the Heart Project, and its mission of connecting businesses and manufacturers, impacted by the fluctuations within the coal industry, with new opportunities. Discover how the project helps businesses through leveraging existing resources, providing business outreach, and more. 

In this episode you'll learn about the New River Community College, and how they prepare students for a variety of careers. Discover how to attend the school online or in person, and some of the most popular certificate and degree programs that the college offers. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the best practices that are going on in the region, as well as how the B2B Engage CRM is being used as a tool to track and engage businesses. This special episode was recorded live at the NAWB Forum 2019. 

In this episode you'll learn about the Pathways to The American Dream project. The geographic area to be served by the project (roughly 25% of the state of Virginia) encompasses 25 counties, 8 cities and includes the Alleghaney Highlands, Roanoke Valley, West Piedmont, New River Valley and extends to Southwest Virginia. The goals of the project include creating a regional workforce strategy for se...

In this episode, you'll learn about the job fairs going on the region, and how you can best prepare for a job fair and increase your chances for success! 

In this episode you'll discover initiatives in the region to help workers upskill and find well paying IT jobs. You'll hear from companies who are looking for IT workers, and the impact that Amazon's new headquarters may have on tech talent in Virginia. 

In this episode, you'll hear about WIOA youth programs in the region and how they help young people prepare for and obtain meaningful employment. Discover how programs are individualized in order to achieve successful outcomes. 

In this episode you'll discover how and why the business community is choosing to tap into the labor market of persons with disabilities. You'll also learn about the various services and supports that are available to support both job seekers and employers. 

In this episode you'll discover why apprenticeships have become such a hot topic today and the power they have to help fill the skills gap in a tight labor market. You'll hear real stories about successful apprenticeship programs and the takeaway and lessons learned from those experiences. 

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 pr...

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.