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Local economic development officials will tell you that the most attractive closing point in the state’s pitch for a project is the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program. “The program enhances Virginia’s competitiveness to win major projects and is often the deciding factor on investment in Virginia,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Virginia is building workforce talent for the future through education, attracting talent across the country through measures like universal licensing legislation, and customizing skills to the needs of companies. Virginians are joining the workforce in record numbers and it’s critically important to ensure our workforce development matches the needs of today while building a workforce for the future.”
The Virginia Talent Program is a workforce initiative created by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System, with funding support from the Governor’s administration and the General Assembly. The program accelerates new facility startups by directly delivering recruitment and training services that are fully customized to a company’s unique products, processes, equipment, standards, and culture.
The Program addresses the most important issue in today’s manufacturing efforts in every part of our nation. Some states offer greater incentives to attract these companies, but companies are often hamstrung when finding a training pipeline set up from the first announcements. In Virginia, our success is because we had a workforce plan set to go.
Since its commencement, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program has helped to secure more than 13,000 good jobs across Virginia. Operations for projects such as Tyson Foods and Morgan Olsen truck bodies are in the Danville area. Others around the state include LEGO and Northrop Grumman.
“The breadth and speed with which this VEDP program begins to deliver for companies is a highlight that Business Facilities is pleased to recognize in this year’s ranking,” said Business Facilities Editorial Director Anne Cosgrove. “The capability to provide training for businesses across a variety of industries to meet their specific needs is a feature that stands out with the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program.”
“The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is a primary reason why so many companies choose to invest in Virginia instead of any other state,” said VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi. “Virginia’s customized approach is unique to each company’s needs. We determine priorities in close collaboration with company leaders and then deliver truly customized recruitment and training services to ensure their operation is successful from the startup phase to full operation.”
I am proud of our region’s role in preparing our people for the future. Starting in our middle schools, our students learn skills in manufacturing and other specialized training that can be built upon through high school. This makes the customized training required for the Talent Accelerator Program so much easier and more successful.
My staff and I are always here to assist you with any issues or concerns. Please don't hesitate to reach out if we can be of service. You can reach us at 434.374.5129 or by email at [email protected]
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