Work Talk

What happens when a university research center and a workforce board team up for over a decade? This episode shares lessons from a long-standing partnership that has turned labor market data into strategic advantage. You’ll learn how collaboration led to skills gap studies, sector-based lattices, and region-specific tools that have supported economic development at every level.

In this episode, you’ll hear how a powerful reentry initiative is transforming lives by preparing incarcerated individuals for meaningful employment before their release. Discover how collaborative efforts across regional, state, and federal partners are breaking down barriers to reintegration and creating real opportunities for second chance employment. You'll learn how job training, personal development, and support services work together to reduce recidivism, strengthen families, and boost community well-being. Most importantly, you’ll hear firsthand from individuals who are building new futures—proving that the power of work can truly change lives.

In this episode, we revisit the powerful impact of the YouthBuild program, a community-based initiative designed to help young adults ages 16 to 24 earn their high school diploma or GED, gain job training, and develop leadership skills. Listeners will learn how YouthBuild empowers youth to build strong foundations for their futures through education, work-based learning, and essential supportive services. We also explore the program's growth and its successful partnerships with local organizations, highlighting real-life stories of transformation and how these collaborations are making a lasting difference in the lives of young people.

Discover the comprehensive journey of creating a three-year strategic plan for regional workforce development. This episode explores how input from diverse stakeholders shapes a document that serves as both a federal requirement and an actionable roadmap. Learn about key strategic priorities including diversifying funding sources, developing talent solutions through industry partnerships, serving at-risk populations, and expanding work-based learning opportunities.

This episode explores the critical need for healthcare workers in Southwest Virginia and efforts to address workforce shortages in the region. You'll hear about a public health professionals program aimed at recruiting and training individuals for various healthcare roles beyond physicians, including nurses, community health workers, peer recovery specialists, and more. The discussion covers the challenges faced by rural healthcare systems and the importance of providing comprehensive support, including job training, stipends, and assistance with basic needs, to help people transition into healthcare careers.