Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board Area 1

09/05/2026

Resource Week: Building Skills and Creating Pathways

As we continue Resource Week during Workforce Development Month, we’re highlighting the partnerships that help connect individuals across Southwest Virginia with the resources, training, and support they need to succeed.

One of those valuable partnerships is between Job Corps and SWVA Works.

Through this collaboration, Job Corps students come to our Virginia Career Works Wise Center to participate in work readiness skills training, helping them prepare for the expectations of the workplace and take the next steps toward employment.

That partnership works both ways. When SWVA Works staff are assisting individuals who could benefit from hands-on vocational training and the opportunities available through Job Corps, we can make that connection and referral.

That’s what a strong workforce development partnership looks like: organizations recognizing the resources each has to offer and working together to make sure individuals are connected to the right opportunity at the right time.

No single organization has to provide every resource. By working together, we create stronger pathways for the people we serve.

During Workforce Development Month, we’re proud to recognize Job Corps as one of the partners helping us prepare individuals for employment, connect them with training opportunities, and build a stronger workforce throughout Southwest Virginia.

Training. Work readiness. Resources. Referrals. Partnership makes the connection.

09/05/2026

Resource Week: Working Together With DSS

During Workforce Development Month, we are proud to recognize the Department of Social Services (DSS) as an important community partner.

DSS plays a vital role in workforce development by connecting individuals and families with resources that can help them move toward employment, stability, and self-sufficiency. Through referrals, case management, supportive services, and coordination with workforce programs, DSS helps individuals address barriers that may make it difficult to obtain or maintain employment.

This partnership allows us to serve the whole person, not only by helping individuals find employment, but also by helping create the stability they need to succeed in the workplace.

We thank DSS for its continued partnership, collaboration, and commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the individuals and families in our community.

09/04/2026

Resource Week: Partnerships That Connect Training to Opportunity

During Workforce Development Month, we’re recognizing the partnerships that help individuals across Southwest Virginia access the training, resources, and support they need to move forward.

Our regional community colleges, including Mountain Empire Community College (MECC), Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC), and Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC) play an important role in preparing individuals for today’s workforce by providing education and training that build new skills and career pathways.

Just as important is the connection between training and the resources that make it possible.

When individuals need financial assistance to participate in eligible training opportunities, our community college partners can connect them with our SWVA Works and ROPES teams, where staff can help determine which workforce funding and support may be available.

It’s a great example of workforce development in action: community colleges providing quality training, Virginia Career Works connecting individuals to resources, and partners working together to remove barriers to employment and career advancement.

As we continue showcasing our Virginia Career Works offices throughout September, we’re also celebrating the partnerships behind them. Together, we’re helping make sure individuals in our region know that training opportunities and the support to pursue them are within reach.

Training. Resources. Support. Opportunity. It all starts with strong partnerships.

09/04/2026

09/04/2026

Resource Week Partner Recognition - VA Works Wise Team

We continue to recognize the incredible partners who work every day to strengthen our community, and today, we are proud to spotlight the dedicated team at the Virginia Career Works – Wise Center!

A special thank you to Chris, Tammy, Margaret, Donna, and Melinda, along with Larry and Audrianna (not pictured), for the work they do to help individuals move toward meaningful employment and new opportunities.

From assisting with job searches and applications to providing career guidance, resources, and encouragement, this team plays an important role in helping people take that next step toward success.

We appreciate your partnership, your dedication, and most of all, the difference you make in the lives of the individuals and families you serve.

09/02/2026

Resource Week Partner Recognition – Veterans Program JVSG

As part of Resource Week during Workforce Development Month, we are proud to recognize the Veterans Program through the Jobs for Veterans State Grant (JVSG) and the important services provided to veterans throughout our communities.

We especially recognize Charla Neece, our JVSG representative, for her continued partnership in assisting veterans with employment resources, career guidance, and support as they pursue meaningful careers. Charla provides services to veterans in both our Wise and Richlands Centers.

During Resource Week, we are proud to highlight the valuable work of our Veterans Program and thank Charla for her continued service and dedication to the veterans in our region.

09/02/2026

Resource Week Partner Recognition – VA Works Richlands Center

As part of Resource Week during Workforce Development Month, we are proud to recognize VA Works as one of our valued workforce development partners and highlight the important resources and services they provide to individuals throughout our communities.

We sincerely appreciate the continued partnership of the VA Works staff and their ongoing assistance in providing career services to individuals at our Richlands One-Stop Center. Their support helps connect job seekers with employment resources, career guidance, and services that assist individuals in moving toward meaningful employment and greater self-sufficiency.

During Resource Week, we are pleased to recognize the Richlands Center VA Works team for the valuable role they play in supporting our local workforce. Thank you, Glenda, Amy, Ashley, Luke, and Brenda (not pictured) for your dedication and continued service to our communities.

09/01/2026

September is National Workforce Development Month!

This week, we’re celebrating the RESOURCES that strengthen our workforce and our community. Through WIOA and our workforce partner network, individuals can connect with employment services, education and training, career guidance, supportive services, rehabilitation resources, and more.

Our partners work together to help individuals overcome barriers and move toward meaningful employment.

Whether you’re looking for a job, exploring a new career, interested in training, or need support along the way, there is a RESOURCE and a partner ready to help.

Many Partners. One Stronger Workforce.

09/01/2026

A strong workforce starts with opportunity.

We're excited to welcome Rachel Patton, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board as a featured speaker at this year's Reviving Hope in Our Backyard conference.

Rachel will moderate Recovery as Economic Development, a panel discussion exploring how supporting recovery strengthens our workforce, helps employers meet hiring needs, and contributes to long-term community prosperity.

At Appalachian Center for Hope, we believe that supporting recovery isn't just the right thing to do—it's one of the smartest investments a community can make.

Join us on September 17 as we explore how supporting recovery strengthens families, grows the workforce, improves public health, and builds more resilient communities.

Learn more and register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/reviving-hope-in-our-backyard-tickets-1993542023858