Workforce and Training

In Buena Vista and the surrounding region, we provide a quality, motivated, and skilled labor base. Employers can recruit from a pool of 532,000 workers in a 75-minute drive time labor force, and over 21,000 graduates from colleges and universities in a 90-minute radius. Virginia is also a right to work state with one of the lowest unionization rates in the county and was selected Number 1 in the U.S. for Customized Workforce Trainings in the 2023 Business Facilities Magazine State Ranking Report.

We partner with local agencies to make up a workforce development team to coordinates and funds employment and customized training activities to help new and existing employers to achieve their company goals.

•  Virginia Career Works – Shenandoah Valley Region (VCW): Offers programs for job recruitment and job training.  If you are a business looking for funding assistance in developing your skilled workforce, training funds may be available for new hires or incumbent employees.  Additionally, VCW can facilitate internships and registered apprenticeships for your business.
• Valley Career Hub: An online career resource that highlights opportunities and training for high-growth, high-wage, in-demand careers in the Shenandoah Valley.
• Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC): Your local partner in training employees. MGCC offers customized training opportunities for new and existing workers, mentorships, apprenticeships, and jobs for students in all technical areas. MGCC’s Wilson Workforce Development Center, opening in Spring 2025, will increase capacity and provide training in welding, precision machining, industrial technology, building trades, diesel mechanic, CDL, electrical, plumbing, and much more.
• The Virginia Jobs Investment Program is operated by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.  The initiative provides services and funding to companies creating new jobs or experiencing technological change.