Work Talk is a podcast about happenings in the region’s businesses. Businesses that participate in the podcast have the opportunity to tell their story; who are they, what do they do and what do they need to be competitive? Job seekers, through listening to the podcast, have the opportunity to learn about business needs and expectations and how they might prepare to go to work for a particular business and/or in a particular industry. We recognize that the more we understand about what businesses want/need, the more likely we are to meet that need.

E51: The Production Technician Career Pathway

In this episode, you’ll hear about the production technician career pathway, funded by a YouthBuild grant. Discover details about the development of the production technician program and hear from a […]

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E50: Recruitment, Retention and Career Pathways

In this episode, you’ll hear from area employers as they reveal their strategies for recruiting and retaining talent. Discover career opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare and innovative recruitment and retention […]

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E49: The Youth Career Exploration Camp

In this episode, you’ll hear details about the Youth Career Exploration Camp, which provides youth with an opportunity to explore high-wage, high-demand careers in the region. You’ll also hear directly […]

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E48: Reflections from the 2022 NAWB Forum

This special episode was recorded live at the 2022 NAWB Forum as Marty Holliday, Executive Director at New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area, shares her thoughts about the future of […]

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E47: Supporting Second Chance Employment

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 […]

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E46: Being a Recovery Ready Region: The POWER Initiative and Peer Recovery Specialists

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 […]

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E45: Attracting and Retaining Talent in the Skill Trades

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 […]

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E44: The STRONG Accountable Care Community- Improving Health and Wellbeing

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, […]

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E43: Supporting Economic and Addiction Recovery

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 […]

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E42: DOL YouthBuild Grants- Supporting Education and Occupational Skills Development for Youth

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 […]

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