New Workforce Projects

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

September 23, 2013

Jim Charapich

Workforce Update: The Culpeper Chamber in cooperation with the Culpeper Career Resource Center and the Piedmont Workforce Network continue to develop opportunities for business to connect and shape the local workforce. There are currently two projects that are a priority.

The first and ongoing project is to connect the Workforce Investment Act program with business. The program offers support for specific qualified candidates to intern for a business with relevant job openings. The candidates skill sets can range from highly skilled professionals to basic office support and anywhere in between.  What is in it for business? There are internship dollars available to support the candidate for a short term in the job. In addition, there are may be financial aid for job candidate training.

Here are a few examples of job candidate skills that are available for job openings today. For example one candidate is currently training in Web Design and has additional skills in Social Services Counseling, Real Estate,  and Administration. There are two candidates that have Accounting and Bookkeeping skills. Another candidate has skills in Electrical, IT, Electronics,  and Building Components. There are other candidates available. If you are a business and are interested in finding out more about the program and available candidates resumes, contact the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce office at 540-825-8628.

The second project that we are working on is a Free Webinar regarding the newly improved Virginia Employment Commission website. The webinar is SHRM approved for 1.5 hours of continuing educational credits through Germanna Community College Center for Workforce and Community Education. The labor pool is shrinking and the need for skilled workers is increasing. The VEC website is a free and valuable resource for business in the hiring process. The Webinar will help business owners and human resource professionals understand the power of this time saving tool.

The Free Webinar : Partnering with the Virginia Employment Commission : Workforce Connection - For Business Owners and HR Professionals will be held on October 2 from 10 AM - 11:30 AM. Registration and downloadable flyer are available at www.CulpeperChamber.com.

The Culpeper Chamber will continue to work to help to connect workforce opportunities with business. These are just two of the current projects underway. Our workforce is a vital part of our economic prosperity.