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While each day finds our Greater Washington Region farther away from the COVID-19 pandemic, its impact is still felt in the form of workforce and employment challenges. Finding and recruiting skilled workers is a challenge for our Region and one the Chamber has, through our workforce programs such as the Greater Washington Apprenticeship Network, taken up on behalf of our members and Region at large. The Chamber also supports others' innovative initiatives that tackle workforce issues head-on, such as Fairfax County’s new Talent Up Fairfax Fund, led by the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives with the Department of Family Services and administered by The SkillSource Group, Inc.
Playing a crucial role in addressing the pressing hiring needs of employers, Talent Up presents Fairfax County employers with a tailored hiring solution and job seekers a pathway to secure employment and develop long-term careers. With a focus on coaching, networking, and financial support, Talent Up funds employers to create paid internships, offering a low-risk avenue to expand their talent pipelines. Simultaneously, it addresses pressing concerns related to hiring and retaining skilled workers.
“All employers are looking for innovative “tools in their toolbox” that deepen and widen their ability to fill their talent pipeline,” Julie Coons, Chamber President and CEO said. “Talent Up Fairfax recognizes that employers need another ‘tool’ to build their talent pipeline. This program offers a ready-made workforce pipeline for employers. Employers are realizing the value of having a workforce that has a diverse set of learning experiences outside of the traditional four-year degree. Therefore, employers are looking for work-related certification, prior experience, and training as they seek to fill technical and high-demand jobs.”
Dedicated to assisting Fairfax County employers in diversifying and enhancing their recruitment strategies, Talent Up provides Fairfax County job seekers with a chance to apply their skills in gateway positions that may lead to permanent roles and career progression. This program serves as a distinct and valuable addition to the regional public workforce system, complementing training, job placement, and talent acquisition initiatives.
The Talent Up pilot program will run through December 2024. Until then, it will subsidize and fund up to 185 work-based learning opportunities with Fairfax County employers.
Interested employers can contact SkillSource Group Project Director Rebecca Bennett, at talentupfairfax@vcwnorthern.com. Fairfax County job seekers can learn more and apply at TalentUpFairfax.
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