April 4, 2014
Building tomorrow’s workforce in a fastchanging world, from pre-K to sustainable
employment for a lifetime
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
OUR ROLE:
Creating a better economic environment
Attracting new business (Jobs)
Supporting existing businesses (Jobs)
Capital Investment = $$$$ or Education
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©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
Recent Companies Served
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
What makes the region a region?
EXAMPLE: Chesterfield County
commuting patterns
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
What goes into a company’s
decision to choose a location to
establish operations?
“The ability to attract the
RIGHT TALENT for
success….”
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
Virginia city Blacksburg
named best place to raise kids
Factors:
6th in
Nation
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
“Good schools, an
affordable lifestyle and the
Blue Ridge Mountains in the
backyard put Blacksburg at
the top of the annual
ranking.”
The rise of other
economies means
America’s dominance
as a business
location can no
longer be assumed.
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
44% of recent college graduates are
underemployed
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Recent college
graduates 2012
Entire U.S. workforce
July 2013
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
Policymic.com
Today’s “Talent Equation”
CRITICAL THINKERS
+
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
=
EMPLOYABILITY
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
Employability
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Responsive to fast-changing world
Adaptive to change
Commited to a lifelong learning path
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
The National Association of Colleges and
Employers (NACE) a Bethlehem, Pa. nonprofit group that links college career
placement offices with employers, ran a
survey from early August to mid-September
where it asked hiring managers what skills
they prioritize when they hire college grads.
October 2013
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
10 skills employers seek, in order of importance:
1. Ability to work in a team
2. Ability to make decisions and
solve problems
3. Ability to plan, organize and
prioritize work
4. Ability to communicate verbally
with people inside and outside an
organization
5. Ability to obtain and process
information
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
6. Ability to analyze quantitative data
7. Technical knowledge related to the
job
8. Proficiency with computer software
programs - Productivity
9. Ability to create and/or edit written
reports
10. Ability to sell and influence others
Building tomorrow’s workforce…
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
The 21st Century worker
has many choices about
where to live, and
education is a TOP
decision maker for
families…
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
STEM: Real World Stuff
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19% growth of S&E careers
compared to 9% for everything else
Big problems to solve
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Sustainable energy
Secure Internet
Fuel-efficient vehicles
Climate change impacts
Space travel and tourism
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
My story
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization
The outside world begins in the
classroom…thank you for making a difference!
One child at a time….
©2014 Virginia's Gateway Region Economic Development Organization