Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board Area 1

10/22/2026

10/21/2026

Supporting Small Business Growth in Southwest Virginia!

Today, Rachel Patton, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board, had the opportunity to serve as a panelist at the Small Business Symposium, held at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon.

The event brought together small business owners, business support organizations, technical assistance providers, and regional economic development leaders to share resources, build connections, and explore opportunities for growth.

Attendees participated in valuable sessions, including “Navigating the Small Business Funding Maze,” and gained insights into resources available to help small businesses succeed.

We are proud to be part of these important conversations and to support a strong, thriving small business community across Southwest Virginia!

10/21/2026

Coming Together to Raise Awareness and Support Survivors 💜

WDB Staff, Deb Hutchinson, and Katrina Sykes attended the 3rd Annual People Inc. Domestic Violence Summit today at Southern Gap Outdoor Adventure in Grundy, Virginia.

This important event brought together community advocates, professionals, and local leaders to raise awareness about domestic violence, discuss prevention strategies, and strengthen efforts to support individuals and families affected by abuse.

💜 Awareness, education, and community partnerships are essential in breaking the cycle of domestic violence. Together, we can help build safer, stronger communities where survivors feel heard, supported, and empowered.

Thank you to People Inc. for hosting this meaningful event and bringing our community together for such an important cause!

10/21/2026

Stop by and see us today in Haysi and Honaker!

10/20/2026

Meet Olivia: From Career Exploration to Certified Nursing Assistant!

Olivia's journey is a wonderful example of how determination, hard work, and the right support can turn career goals into reality!

After graduating from Lebanon High School, Olivia was ready to take the next step toward her future. Although she had never been employed, she was interested in healthcare and wanted to explore opportunities in the field.

Olivia connected with Lisa Hubbard through SWVA Works to receive assistance with the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program at Russell County Career and Technology Center. Recognizing that Olivia had no previous work experience, Lisa also helped her secure a work-based learning internship at Mountain View Retirement Home while she was completing her CNA training.

This opportunity allowed Olivia to gain valuable hands-on experience in a healthcare setting, apply the skills she was learning in the classroom, and build the confidence needed to become a successful caregiver. Through SWVA Works, Olivia also received supportive services to assist with transportation and training expenses, helping remove financial barriers and allowing her to focus on successfully completing her training and preparing for her future career.

Throughout her participation in the program, Olivia completed work-readiness skills training, financial literacy activities, and participated in community events. These experiences helped her build confidence, develop essential life skills, and prepare for long-term success in the workforce.

Olivia's hard work and dedication paid off when she successfully completed her CNA training and passed her state certification exam! Her journey came full circle when she secured employment at Deer Meadows Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, where she is now putting her training and experience to work caring for others.

“I am so grateful to SWVA Works for providing me with the support and resources I needed to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The training opportunity at Mountain View Retirement Home gave me valuable hands-on experience and helped me develop the skills and confidence I needed to become a good caregiver. This experience led me directly to my new job after earning my CNA certification. I give all the glory to the Lord for opening these doors for me and allowing me to begin this new chapter in my life!” - Olivia


Congratulations, Olivia! Your hard work, dedication, and compassionate heart have helped you build a strong foundation for a rewarding career in healthcare.

SWVA Works — Connecting People, Opportunities, and Success!

SWVA Workforce Development Board is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Language assistance services are available and free of charge. TTY: Virginia Relay 711
Questions, contact EO Officer Rachel Patton, (276) 883-4034

www.vcwsouthwest.com

10/20/2026

Happening today at the VA Career Works Richlands Center, 501 Railroad Ave.

10/19/2026

Registered Apprenticeship programs help businesses build a skilled, reliable workforce by providing structured, hands-on training tailored to their needs.

For individuals, these programs offer the opportunity to earn while they learn, gain valuable work experience, and develop industry-recognized skills that lead to long-term career success.

Contact Nikki Fields at (276) 698-5712 for more information on how your business can create an apprenticeship opportunity!

10/19/2026

Exciting News for Southwest Virginia!

The Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board is proud to be one of five Workforce Development Boards partnering in Appalachian Advancement, a three-year, $7.99 million initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

This project will help individuals gain skills, access training, and advance their careers while helping local businesses build a stronger workforce.

Industries in Focus:
🏥 Healthcare
🏭 Manufacturing
🚛 Transportation & Logistics
🔨 Skilled Trades & Construction

Through training, industry-recognized credentials, apprenticeships, and hands-on learning, the initiative aims to provide education or training to 1,000 individuals across 33 Appalachian Virginia jurisdictions over three years.

We're excited to be part of this regional partnership and the opportunities it will bring to our communities!

Stay tuned for more information about upcoming opportunities!

Appalachian Advancement: Building Career Mobility and Talent Pipelines is supported by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration through the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities initiative. The project is financed with $7,994,951 in federal funds (100% of project costs) and $0 (0%) from nongovernmental sources.

10/19/2026

SMALL BUSINESS GRANT UPDATE!

We have received a lot of interest in our Small Business Grant Opportunity and are announcing an official APPLICATION DEADLINE!

All applications must be submitted to our Regional Business Services Coordinator, Nikki Fields, by October 30, 2026!