1.     What makes Virginia’s Labor Force one of the best in the nation?

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) tracks information on the competitiveness of Virginia’s labor force, including the fact that it is ranked 7^th in the nation for productivity. For more information on Virginia’s labor force and other Virginia advantages, visit the VEDP’s website.

2.     Where can I find more data on Virginia’s workforce?

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) offers a great tool for conducting occupational-related research through its Occupational Statistics feature and the Workforce tab of its Virginia Scan tool.  Another option for Labor Market Analysis is the Virginia Employment Commission’s Virginia Employment Labor Market Access system.  Finally, other links to good data are available in the Business Resource Center.

3.     Are there any incentives for Virginia businesses hiring and/or training employees?

Yes!  The Virginia Jobs Investment Program helps both new and existing businesses that are creating capital investment and net new jobs in Virginia.  To see your business qualifies, please visit the Criteria page.  There are several other business incentives available.  The Virginia Econonomic Development Partnership also has a list of Business Incentives on its website.  To view other resources, visit the Business Resource Center.

4.     Are there any free recruiting resources in Virginia?

Any Virginia business seeking employees can post any number of free recruiting ads through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).  The VEC is the largest single source of job candidates in Virginia. The VEC has

• Nearly half-a-million job seekers registering with them annually
• Computerized, skills-based matching to identify potential candidates, which saves employers staff time and money
• Maximum exposure – 40 offices statewide and 24 hours a day on the Internet.

Employers seeking job candidates can post one or multiple job vacancies online at no charge at http://www.vec.virginia.gov/vecportal/forms/vecempform.cfm or by faxing an Employer Job Order Information Sheet to your nearest VEC office. Employers have the option of posting job openings anonymously and having the VEC forward only pre-screened applicants to the company, or including a company contact and having applicants apply directly to the job site. If desired, the VEC can also forward your job opening to America’s Job Bank for posting.  The VEC also provides other services to employers, which you may want to check out at http://www.vec.state.va.us/vecportal/employer/employer_services.cfm.  

5.     Where can I find technical or soft skills training for my employees?

While there are thousands of options for technical or soft skills training in Virginia, one of the best long-term relationships your business can build is with your local Community College. Community Colleges offer services through two major areas: 

• courses provided through workforce development departments;  and
• programs that assist individuals in improving their education and employment. 

Courses are compromised of open enrollment, customized, credit and non-credit offerings while programs include apprenticeship related instruction, career coaches, career readiness certificate, middle college and tech prep. Each college has a workforce development department which provides services to employers through customized training, open-enrollment courses (employer sponsorship), facility use and contract services. The development of new employer relationships through workforce development help to increase community relationships and services provided through the colleges. 

6.   What resources are available for Virginia Job Seekers?

The best first-stop for Virginia job seekers is the Virginia Employment Commission. The VEC’s website includes access to thousands of job listings, information about upcoming job fairs, links to other employment-related websites, advice on how to prepare for a job, the option to post your resume online, and resources for exploring different career paths. You can also visit your local VEC office in person to access all of these resources.  The Virginia Workforce Network, of which the VEC is a partner, also operates One-Stop Centers state-wide, which job seekers can contact for assistance.