Money will support 50% of an apprenticeship coordinator position, according to a news release from the Institute. That’s expected to add capacity for employer outreach and developing apprenticeship positions in partnership with regional employers. GO Virginia Region 3 funds will support 50% of the cost for an internship coordinator as well as paid internships, work-readiness boot camps and teacher externships, the releasae stated.

“ExperienceWorks provides targeted industries with skilled employees for high-wage, high-skill jobs to position their companies for growth and will significantly advance the Region 3 Council’s priorities,” said Randy Lail, chair of GO Virginia Region 3, a statewide business-led economic development initiative.

“Apprenticeship and job readiness programs have long been an area of focus for the tobacco commission and I am glad the commission chose to support this program at IALR,” Alexis Ehrhardt, a member of the tobacco commission, said in a statement.

Ehrhardt, the former CEO of the Danville-Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce, calls the new program a “real asset” since it’ll bring students together with businesses in a particular field.

“I am confident this will result in increased employment opportunities for our students and allow our local businesses to hire for many hard to fill positions,” she said.

Register & Bee – Staff Report