By Maria-Paula

The Greater Richmond Workforce Development Coalition (WorkforceCoalitionRVA) has launched a new resource technology, Network2WorkRVA. This is the first major initiative from the coalition aimed at cultivating a stronger business community is the area.

The resource, which is a coordination between providers in the Greater Richmond region, local employers and potential employees, is designed to link job seekers with access to training opportunities and employers looking to fill vacancies within their companies.

Founded in 2019, WorkforceCoaltionRVA has a goal of harnessing the collective resources of individual organizations to help close the skills gap of trades and technician-level workers in vital industry sectors. It seeks to collectively help close the region’s skills gap by preparing low wage, unemployed and underemployed workers to effectively compete for living wage jobs offering opportunities for continued education and career progression.

Coalition members include Capital Region Workforce Partnership, Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA), a partnership of Reynolds and John Tyler community colleges, ChamberRVA; Office of Community Wealth Building, city of Richmond, as well as the United Way of Greater Richmond and Petersburg. Also involved is the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond which provides support through a facilitator and staff.

During the launch, Brian Davis, the executive director of Virginia Career Works of the Capital Region shared his thoughts by saying:

“When people are able to find and keep jobs with livable wages, they and their families are more likely to experience healthy, stable lives. We all benefit because financially stable individuals and families lead to a better workforce, a stronger community and a thriving region.”

Apart from providing access to training and resources, Network2WorkRVA can help employers recruit, train and provide community support for potential job applicants in the manufacturing industry, logistics, healthcare, trades, construction and information technology for qualified candidates in addition to giving connection to open positions in these high demand fields.

Network2WorkRVA has also partnered with individuals and local organizations who can help in key areas like education, childcare and housing for the unemployed and low-wage individuals.

With a following of over 175 businesses and more than 30 community-based organizations, the resource center has generated support from the Community Foundation for a greater Richmond, Capital One Foundation, the Richard S. Reynolds Foundation, Go Virginia Region IV and the Bob and Anna Lou Schaberg Foundation.

“Through Network2WorkRVA, education, industry, community organizations and other stakeholders can come together to support our region and reduce the gap between industry demand and skilled workers. This new organization not only creates a vital connection between those who need workers with those looking for work, but ensures needed community resources are available to help overcome obstacles to obtaining and keeping jobs. This is how to make our region succeed and grow,” said the vice president of Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA), Elizabeth Creamer.

Job seekers, employers, providers and any other interested parties are encouraged to enroll and/or learn more by visiting network2workrva.com.