Workforce and Economic Development

In today's knowledge-based economy, our community's ability to attract, retain and grow new industry depends on a skilled workforce. An integrated, effective workforce development system can provide local residents with the skills needed to fill new jobs with expanding companies and can contribute to our community's attractiveness as a place to locate a business.

Aligning workforce programs with overall community strategies will encompass transportation, housing, education, social service and physical infrastructure improvements. Developing systematic linkages between economic development and workforce development provides enormous benefits to employers, workers and the community as a whole.

TJPDC is home to the Piedmont Workforce Network (PWN), which provides workforce services to the Local Workforce Investment Area 6 (City of Charlottesville and Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Nelson, Culpeper, Fauquier, Orange, Madison, and Rappahannock). Its mission is "linking resources to meet employment needs." The PWN oversees the Area 6 One Stop Career Centers, which provide residents and employers with one location where they can take care of all their employment needs. These centers serve everyone, with more in-depth employment programs available for disadvantaged youth, low-income adults, and dislocated workers.