Strategic Advantage

Workforce Resources

Shenandoah Valley and Virginia workforce agencies provide many employer resources to assist with workforce development efforts.

Provided below is a listing of Shenandoah Valley and Virginia Workforce Agencies. These agencies offer a wide range of services and resources designed to support employers in meeting their workforce development needs. Their offerings include recruitment assistance, workforce training and upskilling programs, labor market information, work-based learning opportunities support, guidance on workforce grants and incentives and more.  By partnering with these agencies, employers can strengthen their talent pipelines, improve employee retention, and remain competitive in an evolving labor market.

Recruiting Assistance

Shenandoah Valley Workforce Development Board/Virginia Career Works – Shenandoah Valley Region

The Shenandoah Valley Workforce Services Board/Virginia Career Works – Shenandoah Valley Region creates and sustains powerful connections between business and job seekers through Virginia Career Works, a statewide network of employment professionals. The Virginia Career Works operates centers in Harrisonburg and Fishersville. Click here to connect with staff who can assist with the following:

  • Labor market information, including wage analyses
  • Prescreening and referral of qualified applicants
  • Job fair assistance-onsite and at employers’ facilities
  • Comfortable and neutral space to conduct a hiring event or to meet and interview applicants
  • Job posting assistance and sharing of job postings
  • Promotion of job opportunities through social media and Spotlight Employer of the Week
  • Facilitating the application process based on need of applicant, including assistance with resumes and interviewing
  • Federal Bonding Program — bonds for qualifying job applicants are available through the Virginia Career Works Centers for employers providing a firm job offer to someone with a criminal conviction
  • Opportunities to employ youth who need to gain work skills through paid Work Experience Programs
  • On-the-job training grants for qualified clients
  • Assist in the evaluation of Registered Apprentice occupations and facilitate conversations with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry in order to implement Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.

Virginia Employment Commission, Harrisonburg & Fishersville Offices

The Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) promotes economic growth and stability through services that can assist the unemployed, employers and veterans. The VEC offers career assistance and employment opportunities for job seekers, employer services for businesses of all sizes, employment services for veterans, unemployment insurance benefits to eligible individuals, and other programs designed to assist with employment.  Their teams are prepared to help you with the following:

  • Posting job openings online (Virginia Workforce Connection) or through the local Virginia Career Works Centers and use of the Virtual Recruiter tool
  • Employer recruitment events at a Virginia Career Works Center
  • Searching locally, statewide, and nationally for job candidates
  • Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) information
  • Hiring Veterans through the Jobs for Veterans State Grant
  • On-the-Job training opportunities through the Trade Act program
  • Labor Market Information for finding:
    • Unemployment rates
    • Industry projections
    • Demographic consensus information
    • State and local economic trends
    • Employment data by area and industry

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

The Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) works with students and adults in training for careers and job readiness skills. Training is completed through trade schools, colleges, and the Wilson Workforce Center in Fishersville. DARS’ services provide cost savings to employers including work incentives such as paid and unpaid work experiences, on-the-job training, and the Workforce Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). DARS also provides assessments, assistive technology, job coaching (if needed), and disability awareness training.

Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired

The Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired provides services to assist Virginia’s citizens who are blind, deafblind or vision impaired in achieving their maximum level of employment, education, and personal independence. Services include workforce diversity and inclusion training, assistive technology assessment, and job retention assistance for employees with vision impairment. Their team can also assist federal contractors with 503 Recruiting Compliance.

Recruiting and Retaining Veterans

Virginia Values Veterans

The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program educates and trains companies on why it is a good business decision to recruit, hire, train, and retain Veterans. Their team also helps companies meet their veteran hiring goals. Companies interested in becoming V3 certified must attend an in-person, one-day seminar or live webinar. Upon certification, companies can promote themselves as a V3 company and will be promoted by the V3 Program to the veteran community.

Virginia Employment Commission Veteran Employment Services

The VEC also has veteran employment services to assist veterans and their spouses with finding employment by helping employers understand the value of hiring qualified veterans who possess numerous and unique skill sets gained through military service. Their team can provide employers with qualified, pre-screened veteran candidates for employment opportunities.

Recruiting Students

Directors of Career and Technical Education

The Directors of Career and Technical Education for each public school system is a resource for companies interested in hiring high school graduates. Schools are also seeking opportunities for internships and job shadows for students. They can also help you stay aware of opportunities to connect with students. Click here to reference the alphabetized directory at top of page.

Career Coaches

Many of our high schools have resident career coaches who work with career-bound students, making them aware of career paths that may not require a four-year college degree. They can also help companies better engage with the local school system and/or involve students in internships or hiring events. Click here to connect with career coaches serving high schools in Augusta County, Rockingham County, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and Waynesboro.

VTOP-VIEW – Valley Internship Experience Workgroup

The VTOP-VIEW is made possible by a grant from the State Council for Higher Education (SCHEV) and is part of a state-wide Virginia Talent and Opportunities Pathways initiative to expand paid and credit-bearing student internships and other work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with Virginia employers.  V-TOP facilitates the readiness of students, employers and institutions of higher education to participate in internship and work-based learning.

Training Assistance

Educational Providers

Regional Career and Technical Centers provide Career and Technical Education (CTE) curricula to our local high school student populations, as well as offering adult continuing education programs, trade-industry certifications and a wealth of related training options. Our 11 colleges and universities also apply high academic standards, new technologies, and the application of classroom learning to real-world situations.

Virginia Department of Labor & Industry’s Registered Apprenticeship Program

The Registered Apprenticeship program in Virginia is a training system that produces highly skilled workers to meet the demands of employers competing in a global economy, through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Apprenticeships can be arranged for any occupation, and they provide a way to pass along knowledge to others in the organization through a structured format. Click here to contact your apprenticeship consultant (based on locality) for guidance on setting up a registered apprenticeship program for any occupation.

Shenandoah Initiative for Adult Education (SHINE)

The mission of the Shenandoah Initiative for Adult Education (SHINE) is to provide instructional services to adults to prepare them for the changing workforce, encourage them to participate as active members of their community, and empower them in their own learning by giving them tools and strategies to use in developing skills on their own. SHINE staff can design an integrated education and training program to meet your needs; offer classes at your worksite to improve employees’ academic skills, workforce preparation, and English language proficiency; and connect you with adults who are work-ready, lifelong learners. These services are provided through federal, state, and local funds. They have five local programs serving the central Shenandoah Valley. Click here to learn more about the program serving your area.

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