Virginia Career Works

Northam at VCW ribbon cutting

Submitted photo

One stop shop for jobs, skills training

By Gene Marrano

“Keep your options open and be flexible, because the sky’s really the limit right now,” says Morgan Romeo.

Morgan Romeo is executive director for the Virginia Career Works Blue Ridge Region office in Roanoke. The VCW she says is a collaboration of various agencies that has been around for a while but rebranded under the Virginia Career Works banner to help job seekers “who are looking for a new or better career.” The current center on Thirlane Road opened almost three years ago – after a fire at Crossroads Center destroyed their previous permanent home. Romeo has worked for VCW and before that for other Commonwealth workforce programs dating back to 2011.

She says “everything” anyone needs to reach their education/training and employment goals can be accessed through the VCW office, on site or online in the COVID era. Seven partners representing 20-30 programs are available there, a “one stop shop model.” Computers, printers, phones, fax machines and the like are available for those Romeo deems “self-sufficient,” people looking for jobs or maybe a short-term skills training program.

One on one counseling is available – especially for those who may be switching careers or jobs after say, the restaurant they worked at laid them off last year or went belly up. Virginia Career Works can guide people to resources that can help pay for that education adds Romeo. It’s all about progressing towards career goals and “being selfsufficient,” at the same time.

Direct pipelines to employers and their immediate needs can help the unemployed or under-employed land on their feet faster; those businesses are really VCW’s “main customer,” according to Romeo. Providing

a skilled workforce – attuned to local needs - to meet their needs is the focus. “We have ‘tons’ of businesses that we have relationships with.” VCW says Romeo also “works very closely with economic development [agencies],” when jobs come open or a new major employer is about to land in the region.

An online statewide labor exchange (see virginiacareerworks.com) includes job listings. VCW can also help screen for the most likely candidates, handing employers “the cream of the crop,” when it comes to resumes. On site and online job fairs (VCW purchased a virtual job fair platform recently) – even drive through events in the parking lot during the pandemic – have helped place new hires as well.

Romeo says she has seen several workforce changes during the past decade. In the immediate aftermath of the Great Recession many laid off manufacturing workers were retrained for jobs that required a higher level of technical skills – “mainly [migrating into] health care is what I saw.” I.T. was another factor at the same time, but now she sees a swing back towards the hands-on trades. “We have a huge need for plumbers, construction, manufacturing and of course health care is always going to be a need in this region.” The listings for temporary or freelance gig jobs decreased once the pandemic reared its head but as things normalize Romeo expects those to bounce back.

In fact, through various outreach efforts VCW is trying to educate young students and parents that a four-year degree is not always needed to make a decent living – and the jobs are there. Count electricians and carpenters in that group; those who learn the skills needed can also be their own boss if they choose that path. “We’re just trying to educate the region that these possibilities exist – and to not limit [their children] that college is the only option.” The pay is even often better than many with a bachelor’s degree she notes. Romeo calls Virginia Western Community College “a great partner,” noting the myriad of certificate and two-year degree programs available. “They have a lot of great short term training programs.” VCW often has access to tuition assistance programs, especially for high-demand jobs - sometimes up to 100 percent. Her advice to job seekers? “Keep your options open and be flexible, because the sky’s really the limit right now, with all of the resources we have.” VCW can also help overcome any barriers some might perceive as standing in the way of a better job or a new career. “We are there to help those folks get there. Because we can do it.”

VCW Many don’t know she notes about all the guidance Virginia Career Works can offer during a job search – or the financial available resources for training – so Morgan Romeo is always happy to get the word out. (see vcwblueridge.com for access to local information)