Workforce Preparation Initiatives

Our Workforce Preparation aspiration is to better align workforce skills to employer needs.

Why is this Important?

Workforce preparation and career readiness are important links between our future workforce and employers. Paired with a strong educational foundation, the adequacy of workforce training programs to develop our talent pipeline, and the variety of employment opportunities contribute to the region’s economic vitality.

How are we Moving the Needle?

Our Workforce Preparation Action Team is working to better align efforts in the region to:

  • Bring together workforce development providers and employers to coordinate offerings and match employer needs to training / educational opportunities and workforce skills
  • Prepare our high school graduates for the workforce by creating pathways to careers and professions
  • Develop high quality technical and magnet schools

Focus on Opportunity Youth

Opportunity Youth are young adults aged 16-24 years who are neither going to school nor working.  These young adults are described as opportunity youth because of the potential value they could add to their communities if they reconnect to education and employment opportunities.

Mission Tomorrow

Career awareness and job readiness start long before graduation. The Capital Region Collaborative is proud to partner on Mission Tomorrow, our region’s interactive career exploration event for 8th grade students. This event happens annually in October. Over 12,000 students participate in activities and discussions with over 100 employers. Learn more here and see pictures here.

Workforce Preparation Action Team Members

Auchmoody, Bill Partnership Staffing
Callahan, Monica ChamberRVA
Creamer, Elizabeth CCWA
Davis, Brian Richmond Region WIB
Doughtery, John Goodwill
Easter, John ChamberRVA
Fiege, Bill John Tyler Community College
Giovannitti, Jen Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond
Hall, Ashley Capital Region Collaborative
Harris, Drexel Dominion Resources
Humphrey, Dan Points of Life, Communities At Work
Jacocks, Barbara Richmond Regional Planning
Vanessa, Rastberger Virginia Manufacturers
Leistra, Shannon Altria
Roots, Evette City of Richmond Office of Community Wealth Building
Schultz, Rich Smart Beginnings RVA
Smith, Jason Bridging Richmond
Washko, Mary J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Weber, Bill Communities At Work