“We all have a role to play to move Virginia forward, to make sure that our people have the skills to succeed and our employers have the workers they need.” Carrie Roth, Director of Virginia’s new Department of Workforce Development and Advancement helped to drive home the central message that ran through this year’s VCCS Hire Education Conference. Built around the theme “One System – Stronger Together” the event attracted 300 workforce educators and business partners to Roanoke Dec. 6-8.
Shifting demographics, advances in technology and the continuing need to attract workers back from the sidelines after the pandemic are increasing the importance of collaboration between employers and educators…and focusing new attention on the need for more regional coordination by our colleges to provide relevant and timely training opportunities.
Chancellor Doré
During a panel discussion with industry leaders, VCCS Chancellor David Doré acknowledged that our colleges need to address employers’ needs faster but added that community colleges also need “real and sustained support” from the business community, especially when it comes to attracting and hiring instructors in high demand industry sectors.
David Peterson, representing the rapidly growing solar power industry, observed that employers and educators should aspire to a relationship that resembles a good marriage, with both parties working to meet the needs of the other.
The three-day conference offered participants opportunities to network, learn new skills, and spotlighted extraordinary achievement by faculty, staff, students and business partners. A separate blog story focuses on Hire Ed’s Annual Awards Banquet.
Merrill
“I was so impressed at the synergy I saw here,” said Jennifer Merrill, Student Services Manager at NOVA Workforce. “There’s a lot to take in, but I was energized by this conference.”
Newhouse and Thompson
Anita Newhouse and Jessica Thompson, both from Germanna Community College, were glad they attended Hire Ed. “There are so many smart people across the system doing innovative things I was excited to be able to network with them here,” said Newhouse, a student counselor. Thompson, who directs the Germanna Educational Foundation, said she’s been excited to see growing community financial support for workforce training programs. “This is my first time at Hire Ed and I hope to come back,” she said.
Matney
Ross Matney, workforce coordinator at New River Community College, has been to Hire Ed Conferences for several years running. “I still find it valuable, both for the exchange of ideas and for the fellowship,” he said.
Conference organizers are grateful for support from this year’s sponsors: The Lumina Foundation’s REACH Collaborative, AccessU, The Hodges Partnership, Ancora Education, and Bluegrass Educational Technologies.
You can view and download photos from this year’s Hire Education Conference.
