Best Of New RiversMt Rogers Workforce Development Area Podcasts (2025)

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E66: Mentoring, Learning, and Growing: YouthBuild’s Transformative Model 21:11

25d ago21:11

21:11

In this episode, we revisit the powerful impact of the YouthBuild program, a community-based initiative designed to help young adults ages 16 to 24 earn their high school diploma or GED, gain job training, and develop leadership skills. Listeners will learn how YouthBuild empowers youth to build strong foundations for their futures through educatio…

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E65: From Draft to Direction: The Workforce Development Planning Process 20:10

2M ago20:10

20:10

Discover the comprehensive journey of creating a three-year strategic plan for regional workforce development. This episode explores how input from diverse stakeholders shapes a document that serves as both a federal requirement and an actionable roadmap. Learn about key strategic priorities including diversifying funding sources, developing talent…

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E64: The Rural Health Workforce Challenge: Solutions in Action 19:13

7M ago19:13

19:13

This episode explores the critical need for healthcare workers in Southwest Virginia and efforts to address workforce shortages in the region. You'll hear about a public health professionals program aimed at recruiting and training individuals for various healthcare roles beyond physicians, including nurses, community health workers, peer recovery …

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E63: Changing the Game: How GiveLocalNRV and the New River Mount Rogers Workforce Development Foundation Are Making an Impact 17:20

11M ago17:20

17:20

In this episode we welcome Lindsey Gleason, Assistant Director of the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, to discuss the upcoming GiveLocalNRV initiative. Lindsey explains how the Community Foundation collaborates with donors to support more than 150 local organizations through grants and scholarships, and how GiveLocalNRV offers an onlin…

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E62: Workforce Innovations: Enhancing Capacity and Efficiency in Workforce Development 17:46

1y ago17:46

17:46

In this episode, you'll learn about a grant project aimed at bridging the skilled trades gap in the region. You'll also hear about the board's initiatives to develop sector partnerships and strategies in construction, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. The episode explores how these partnerships will help identify industry needs, develop tar…

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E61: Transforming Lives: Stories of Reentry, Recovery, and Opportunity 29:56

1y ago29:56

29:56

The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board is transforming lives through impactful programs and partnerships. In this episode, you'll hear uplifting stories of second chances from former inmates gaining employment after reentering society, a woman rebuilding her life in recovery from substance abuse, nursing students graduating with sup…

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E60: Regional Collaboration for Economic Development 16:50

1+ y ago16:50

16:50

This podcast features a discussion with the executive directors of two regional economic development organizations about their efforts to promote business growth, job creation, and talent development across southwest Virginia. They provide updates on the priorities and activities of their organizations, including workforce pipeline development, tal…

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E59: Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating WIOA's Career Programs 30:34

1+ y ago30:34

30:34

In this episode, you'll learn about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and some of its programs serving adults, dislocated workers, and youth. Get ready to discover how WIOA, a reauthorization of the 2014 Workforce Investment Act, is designed to strengthen our nation's public workforce system and empower adults, youth, and those fa…

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E58: Transforming Lives, Building the Regional Economy: A Grants and Funding Update 29:47

1+ y ago29:47

29:47

In this episode, you'll hear an update about grants awarded to the New River/Mt. Rogers Workforce Development Board. Join us as we delve into the various programs and the efforts underway to build a skilled and confident labor force, especially for those individuals who face barriers to employment. You'll also hear about how work-based learning opp…

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E57: The SHOW Workshop- Supporting Rural Small Businesses with Retention and Workforce Productivity 14:15

2y ago14:15

14:15

In this episode, you'll hear about an initiative that provides rural labor market and employee training. Discover the range of topics covered in the workshops and trainings and the potential outcomes for participating businesses. Discover how the SHOW workshop provides employees with tools that can be used to improve their functionality and product…

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E56: Reflections from the 2023 NAWB Forum 16:16

2y ago16:16

16:16

This episode was recorded live at the 2023 NAWB Forum as Marty Holliday shares her reflections on some of the things she learned while attending the Forum and also talks about her presentation on the return on investment of workforce development services for businesses.

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E55: Improving the Capacity and Quality of Regional Childcare 13:57

2y ago13:57

13:57

Access to quality childcare is an important part of developing a talent pipeline and meeting workforce needs. In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts underway to increase the operational capacity and quality of childcare providers and to add 100 early childhood teachers to the region.

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E54: Regional Funding and Services for 2023 21:01

2+ y ago21:01

21:01

In this episode, you'll hear from Marty Holliday, Executive Director of the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area, and Deputy Director Jenny Bolte, as they provide an overview of some of the new regional funding for 2023 and the innovative services that the funding will provide.

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E53: How the Regional Workforce System Is Helping Meet Recruitment and Retention Needs 18:24

2+ y ago18:24

18:24

In this episode, the conversation continues about how the regional workforce system is helping to meet recruitment and retention needs. You'll hear from 2 employers, one from the New River Valley Regional Jail, and the other from Parkdale Mills, as they discuss available jobs and careers in their organizations. They also share their recruitment and…

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E52: Recruitment and Retention Initiatives and Strategies 14:44

2+ y ago14:44

14:44

As the worker shortage persists in the region, this episode continues the conversation about the initiatives and strategies underway to help businesses with their recruitment and retention needs. Discover the importance of vetting candidates and assessing fair and equitable compensation. You'll also hear about how analyzing exit data can help compa…

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E51: The Production Technician Career Pathway 24:06

2+ y ago24:06

24:06

In this episode, you'll hear about the production technician career pathway, funded by a YouthBuild grant. Discover details about the development of the production technician program and hear from a YouthBuild participant about why he chose this program and the benefits he has received so far from participating.…

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E50: Recruitment, Retention and Career Pathways 19:33

2+ y ago19:33

19:33

In this episode, you'll hear from area employers as they reveal their strategies for recruiting and retaining talent. Discover career opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare and innovative recruitment and retention practices.

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E49: The Youth Career Exploration Camp 19:01

3y ago19:01

19:01

In this episode, you'll hear details about the Youth Career Exploration Camp, which provides youth with an opportunity to explore high-wage, high-demand careers in the region. You'll also hear directly from participants about what they have enjoyed most about the program.

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E48: Reflections from the 2022 NAWB Forum 15:51

3y ago15:51

15:51

This special episode was recorded live at the 2022 NAWB Forum as Marty Holliday, Executive Director at New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area, shares her thoughts about the future of workforce development and reveals her takeaways from speaking with other workforce leaders from around the country.…

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E47: Supporting Second Chance Employment 16:47

3y ago16:47

16:47

In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts underway to support second chance employment. Even in the best of times, it is difficult for individuals with criminal records to access employment, and yet employment is a crucial part of helping people in recovery and justice-involved individuals to rebuild their lives. You'll also hear about why emp…

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E46: Being a Recovery Ready Region: The POWER Initiative and Peer Recovery Specialists 18:39

3y ago18:39

18:39

In this episode the conversation continues about the POWER Initiative (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) and particularly peer recovery specialists. Discover the criteria for becoming a peer recovery specialist as well as the application and training process.

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E45: Attracting and Retaining Talent in the Skill Trades 10:42

3+ y ago10:42

10:42

In this episode, you'll hear about the efforts that are underway in the region to attract and retain talent in the skilled trades. Phil Callicott , Founder of the The Trades Training Initiative, discusses the vision that his organization has for developing in the construction industry and how the Trades Training Initiative is bringing together loca…

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E44: The STRONG Accountable Care Community- Improving Health and Wellbeing 18:23

3+ y ago18:23

18:23

In this episode, you'll hear about the STRONG Accountable Care Community (STRONG ACC). Discover the history of the organization, and how the STRONG ACC is helping to break down barriers, improve inter-agency coordination of services, better address social determinants of health, and improve health and wellbeing for individuals, families, and commun…

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E43: Supporting Economic and Addiction Recovery 31:45

3+ y ago31:45

31:45

This episode takes a deeper dive into The Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER program, particularly those elements that support recovery for individuals and families impacted by substance abuse. Discover the efforts being made to create a recovery ecosystem, and the importance of combining the efforts of multiple organizations.…

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E42: DOL YouthBuild Grants- Supporting Education and Occupational Skills Development for Youth 19:06

4y ago19:06

19:06

In June of 2021, the US Department of Labor announced the award of 89 million dollars in grants in 31 states and Puerto Rico to help youth ages 16 to 24, who are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor market. YouthBuild grants support a pre-apprenticeship model to help these youth learn valuable occupational skills. In this episo…

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E41: Regional Trends in Economic Development 20:49

4y ago20:49

20:49

In this episode, you'll hear from 2 regional economic development leaders about how they work with the Virginia Economic Development and the efforts that are underway to support and grow targeted industries. Discover the importance of placemaking and infrastructure improvements in attracting and retaining businesses and talent to the region.…

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E40: Strengthening Our System, Inc.- Providing Quality Care and a Person Centered Approach 14:16

4y ago14:16

14:16

In this episode, you'll learn about Strengthening Our System, Inc. (SOS) and the services that they provide for individuals with disabilities and individuals with mental health concerns. Discover the history of the organization, the job opportunities that are available, and the necessary requirements to get started in this field.…

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E39: Opportunities with Blue Ridge Designs 14:24

4y ago14:24

14:24

In this episode, you'll discover the story of Blue Ridge Designs, a Carroll County-based screen-printed apparel manufacturer. Discover the job opportunities available with Blue Ridge Designs, and the application and hiring process.

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E38: The Virginia Road to Success Program- Increasing Self-Sufficiency, Connecting to an In-Demand Career 16:47

4y ago16:47

16:47

In this episode, you'll hear from a guest panel about the Virginia Road to Success Program (RSVP) which focuses on helping individuals increase self-sufficiency through stable continuous employment. Discover the key partnerships that help the RSVP program to assist participants in obtaining employment that leads to self-sufficiency along an identif…

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E37: The Virginia Economic Development Partnership- Making Virginia the Best State for Businesses, Workers and Families 16:55

4y ago16:55

16:55

Stephen Moret, President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, joins the program to discuss the work that his organization is doing to advance economic growth and economic development across the Commonwealth of Virginia. He also discusses the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on Virginia's economy and the efforts that ar…

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E36: The Appalachian Regional Commission's POWER Initiative 14:27

4y ago14:27

14:27

In this episode, you'll learn about the POWER (Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization) Initiative. The initiative targets federal resources to help communities and regions that have been affected by job losses in coal mining, coal power plant operations, and coal-related supply chain industries due to the changing ec…

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E35: Update on Youth Services 11:01

4+ y ago11:01

11:01

In this episode, you'll hear about youth programming available in the region. Discover eligibility requirements, services offered, and how to connect youth to educational and training opportunities to achieve their overall employment goals.

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Community Awareness Podcast 8: An Update on Job Seeker Services and Programs 12:27

4+ y ago12:27

12:27

This community awareness podcast provides an update on available job seeker services and programs. Discover how to connect with employers during the COVID-19 pandemic, how to identify training opportunities and wraparound services, and more.

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E34: Innovating and Changing the Perception of Individuals with Disabilities 15:32

4+ y ago15:32

15:32

Rick Sizemore, Media Specialist at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and former Director of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, joins the program to discuss the mission and impact of the VR Workforce Studio Podcast. Rick reveals what it's like to host and produce the podcast, and the impact that the COVID-19 pande…

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E33: Economic Equity and the Road to Success in Virginia Program 15:50

4+ y ago15:50

15:50

Jenny Bolte, Deputy Director of the New River Mt. Rogers Workforce Development Board, returns to the program to provide an update about the Pathways to the American Dream grant, as well as 2 new projects that are funded through the Virginia community college system. Discover how to get training for an in-demand healthcare career, and eligibility re…

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E32: Update on Virginia's Unemployment Insurance Program 18:58

4+ y ago18:58

18:58

In this episode, you'll hear updates about Virginia's unemployment insurance system, and changes that have occurred since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. You'll hear about changes both from a regional and state perspective.

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E31: The Ticket To Work Program 15:33

4+ y ago15:33

15:33

In this episode, you'll learn about the Ticket to Work Program, a free and voluntary program offered by Social Security that can help people age 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and who are interested in returning to work or working for the first time. You'll also hear from a Ticket to Work participant about the impact …

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E30: The Virginia Ready Initiative 16:26

5y ago16:26

16:26

In this episode, you'll learn about the Virginia Ready Initiative, a newly established nonprofit organization formed in response to the economic hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how VA Ready and its partners provide incentives for motivated, out-of-work Virginians to reskill for in-demand jobs in high-growth sectors.…

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Community Awareness Podcast 7: Business Services During Times of Disruption- Pt 2 12:32

5y ago12:32

12:32

In part 2 of this 2-part community awareness podcast, you'll hear about how the New River Mt. Roger Workforce Development Board has innovated and continued to serve business needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Community Awareness Podcast 6: Business Services During Times of Disruption- Pt 1 9:11

5y ago9:11

9:11

In part 1 of this 2-part community awareness podcast, you'll hear about how the New River Mt. Roger Workforce Development Board has innovated and continued to serve business needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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E29: Resource Guidebook for Reopening Your Business in the Age of COVID-19 10:10

5y ago10:10

10:10

In this episode, you'll learn about the online resource guidebook created by the New River Valley Task Force Recovery Team. Discover how to access the guidebook, why it was created and what businesses need to consider as they reopen.

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Community Awareness Podcast 5: Upcoming Virtual Job Fair 12:05

5y ago12:05

12:05

In this community awareness podcast, designed to provide crucial information during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll hear about an upcoming virtual job fair. Discover some of the employers who are participating and the range of jobs that are available.

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Community Awareness Podcast 4: Preparing for Job Opportunities During COVID-19 13:14

5y ago13:14

13:14

In this community awareness podcast, designed to bring you crucial information during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll discover how you can prepare for job opportunities while staying at home.

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E28: Tips for Working From Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic 20:16

5y ago20:16

20:16

As many employees transition from working in an office to working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode explores tips for successfully adjusting to working from home. Discover how to create a work/life balance, what to consider when choosing a workspace, and how to maintain a sense of connection when working virtually.…

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Community Awareness Podcast 3: Virtual Job Seeker Workshops 8:52

5y ago8:52

8:52

In this community awareness podcast dedicated to providing crucial information during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll learn about virtual job seeker workshops and how to access them.

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E27: Preparing the IT Talent Pipeline 21:07

5y ago21:07

21:07

This episode features another episode with 1901 Group and their recent expansion in Virginia. Discover how 1901 Group is recruiting candidates and preparing the talent pipeline, and why the IT sector will be even more crucial then ever as more people work virtually.

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Community Awareness Podcast 2: The SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program 11:31

5y ago11:31

11:31

In this special community awareness podcast designed to provide crucial information during the COVID-19 pandemic, you'll learn about the Small Business Administration's Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. Discover eligibility requirements, loan details and how to apply.

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Community Awareness Podcast 1: How To File Unemployment Insurance During the COVID-19 Pandemic 9:09

5y ago9:09

9:09

In this special community awareness podcast, you'll discover how to file unemployment insurance when offices are closed. You'll learn how to determine if you are eligible for unemployment insurance, what's next, and the changes that have been made due to the COVID-19 pandemic.