Opportunities for Business to Connect and Shape the Local Workforce

Culpeper Star Exponent

Business Monday

December 9th, 2013

Jim Charapich

Workforce Update: The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the Culpeper Career Resource Center and the Piedmont Workforce Network, continues 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 intern dollars available to support the candidate for a short term in the job. In addition, there are may be financial aid for job skills 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 is one candidates with a Finance background and another with  Accounting skills. Another two candidates have skills in Networks,  IT, & Electronics. 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 have recently completed is a 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 is available for viewing at http://www.ccrc-jobs.com/employers.cfm . For job seekers go to http://www.ccrc-jobs.com/ for robust resources in local job searches.

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce will continue to work to help to connect workforce opportunities with business. Our workforce is a vital part of our economic prosperity.