Fostering Talent in the Shenandoah Valley
Welcome to Fostering Talent, a workforce podcast mini-series from the Shenandoah Valley Partnership.
Join us as we spotlight some of the people, programs and powerhouse initiatives shaping the region’s talent pipeline. From building brighter futures for our residents to fueling success for local employers, we’re showcasing what makes the Shenandoah Valley a hub for opportunity and growth.
Part one of this podcast mini-series includes six episodes:
- Episode 1: Merck Project Highlights Collaboration Between Valley Partners
- Episode 2: Friendship Industries Breaks Down Barriers to Work Opportunities
- Episode 3: Educating the Next Generation at Massanutten Technical Center
- Episode 4: Connecting Interns & Employers Through VTOP-VIEW
- Episode 5: Crafting Student Stories with University Career Services
- Episode 6: The University/Employer Connection
Check out episode details below:
Episode 1: Merck Project Highlights Collaboration Between Valley Partners
In this inaugural episode of Fostering Talent, we talk about a model that brought together economic development, university and community college partners, exemplifying the Valley’s collaborative nature and the direct impact that collaboration has on the workforce pipeline. Guests include Debbie Melvin – Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Dr. John Downey – Blue Ridge Community College and Dr. Nick Swartz – JMU School of Professional & Continuing Education.
Episode Length: 25:51
Episode 2: Friendship Industries Breaks Down Barriers to Work Opportunities
In this episode of Fostering Talent, we talk with Piete Casius, President of Friendship Industries. Founded in 1964, Friendship Industries, Inc was the first business in the Valley to provide employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. Today, Friendship Industries works with individuals experiencing various barriers to employment by creating work opportunities through contract packaging services, providing benefit to the workforce and the business community.
Episode Length: 13:25
Episode 2: Friendship Industries Breaks Down Barriers to Work Opportunities
In this episode of Fostering Talent, we talk with Piete Casius, President of Friendship Industries. Founded in 1964, Friendship Industries, Inc was the first business in the Valley to provide employment opportunities to persons with disabilities. Today, Friendship Industries works with individuals experiencing various barriers to employment by creating work opportunities through contract packaging services, providing benefit to the workforce and the business community.
Episode Length: 13:25
Episode 3: Educating the Next Generation of Talent at Massanutten Technical Center
In this episode of Fostering Talent, we talk with the director of Massanutten Technical Center Kevin Hutton. Serving students in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County (as well as adult learners), MTC offers a breadth of programs, from HVAC and electricity to architecture and cybersecurity, that are preparing our next generation of talent.
Episode Length: 21:15
Episode 3: Educating the Next Generation of Talent at Massanutten Technical Center
In this episode of Fostering Talent, we talk with the director of Massanutten Technical Center Kevin Hutton. Serving students in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County (as well as adult learners), MTC offers a breadth of programs, from HVAC and electricity to architecture and cybersecurity, that are preparing our next generation of talent.
Episode Length: 21:15
Episode 4: Connecting Interns & Employers Through VTOP-VIEW
In this episode of Fostering Talent, we talk with Mary Sullivan, Project Coordinator for the Valley Internship Experience Workgroup. The VTOP-VIEW program is funded 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.
Episode Length: 12:37
Episode 4: Connecting Interns & Employers Through VTOP-VIEW
In this episode of Fostering Talent, we talk with Mary Sullivan, Project Coordinator for the Valley Internship Experience Workgroup. The VTOP-VIEW program is funded 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.
Episode Length: 12:37