Issue Position: Strengthening Our Workforce

Issue Position

The desire to provide for our families through the dignity of meaningful work unites everyone in our district. Virginia's Fifth District is blessed with beauty, a superior quality of life, and talented, hardworking people, but if that talent isn't aligned to the needs of employers or investors, job creation will lag behind.

Enhance certification programs for high-school graduates and other job seekers

Quality education for our children is a value we all share, but we must also create jobs for those who are ready to work now, through successful strategic workforce training programs that provide certifications and credentialing sought after by employers. As your Congresswoman, I will support public-private partnerships to attract businesses with skilled jobs that no longer require a standard college degree--such as those in the booming healthcare industry.

Stimulate technical and workforce training in targeted fields

We are already experiencing major shortages in the skilled trades such as electricians and plumbers as baby boomers retire. When I represent you in Congress, I will work to increase federal support for our technical education programs around the district. We will channel resources to train, certify, and credential workers in fields such as health and medical sciences, agribusiness, eco-tourism, information technology, light manufacturing, skilled trades, recreation, and retail management.

Support the expansion public-private partnerships to increase job training opportunities

In 2013, Danville Community College, several area hospitals, and Averett University partnered to create an RN to BSN program. This program allows for businesses to meet their employment needs with locally trained people who are committed to their communities. As your Congresswoman, I will expand these types of public-private partnerships. By securing federal grants to help students connect with businesses and educational opportunities, we will create pathways directly from training to employment -- all within our local communities.

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