Employers in Central Virginia frequently cite the need to make students aware of local career options as a way to alleviate talent shortages that exist in key industries. The Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo, held October 14 and 15 at Central Virginia Community College, worked to address the needs of employers by introducing local seventh and eighth graders to a wide variety of occupations.
Keith Cook, Director of Workforce Operations for Virginia Career Works Central Region, leads a game called “Career Matchmaker,” which helped students learn about case management in the human services profession.
More than 2,600 public, private, and homeschool students explored four career zones, each representing industries critical to our area such as healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Through interactive demonstrations led by representatives of area businesses and community organizations, students gained valuable insights into potential career paths and the skills needed to pursue them. CVPDC staff of the Central Virginia Workforce Development Board (CVWDB) served on the planning committee for Worlds of Opportunity, which was organized by the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance (LRBA). More than 12 months of planning went into carrying out the event, which addresses a primary focus area of career exploration in the CVWDB/LRBA Regional Workforce Roadmap strategic plan.
Sherie Fulcher, Personnel Development Coordinator for Southern Air, engages students in a conversation about utility work using static electricity.
