‘Let’s Go to Work!’: Campaign aims to re-energize Hampton Roads workforce

By Sandra J. PenneckeInside Business•Mar 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm

Norfolk — The Hampton Roads Workforce Council has launched a campaign aimed to re-energize the region’s workforce.

Let’s Go to Work! launched on March 14 and is geared to help traditional job seekers, career switchers, students entering the workforce, veterans and spouses connect with businesses and employers seeking employees.

The effort comes at a time when job vacancies continue to increase throughout the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 47.4 million people voluntarily left their jobs in 2021.

In Hampton Roads, jobs in hospitality, information technology, construction, manufacturing and ship repair have experienced the highest percentage of vacancies, according to the council.

The campaign will use the council and Virginia Career Works programs, services, and initiatives so job seekers can easily connect with employers. The workforce council oversees the region’s federally funded workforce development programs.

The HR Strong program, in partnership with the Virginia Ship Repair Association and Thomas Nelson, Tidewater and Camp community colleges, is one of those initiatives. It provides free training and hiring events for individuals interested in welding careers.

Shawn Avery, president and CEO of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, said in a news release that the organization is well-positioned to align skilled, qualified employees with careers while helping regional businesses and organizations solve pre-pandemic challenges.

Job seekers can also attend a job fair 9 a.m. to noon April 7 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton. For more information, visit theworkforcecouncil.org/letsgotowork.

Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com