This week, workforce liaisons from 22 states across the country met in Newport News, Virginia for the National Governor’s Association Center for Best Practices Workforce Liaisons meeting. The liaisons, who meet each year at this time, discussed a broad range of workforce, economic and educational subjects ranging from global competitiveness, emerging industries, role of community colleges and the preparation of youth for the workforce.

Jane Oates, Assistant Secretary for Labor and Workforce and Senior Advisor for Workforce, Danny LeBlanc

On Tuesday, Jane Oates, Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Administration, USDOL shared her perspective on the WIA reauthorization and its impact on economic development and education. That afternoon, guests were given a great example of how the workforce system operates in Virginia through a whirlwind tour at Thomas Nelson Community College.

At the college’s workforce center, Danny LeBlanc, senior advisor to Governor Kaine for Workforce, spoke to the liaisons about Virginia’s workforce structure, new initiatives and the role of community colleges in training individuals. Guests were then invited on a tour of the workforce center, which was co-designed and co-funded by the state, localities, the WIB, one stop, community college and university.

The next stop on the tour was the Northrop Grumman Shipyard and Apprentice School, where conference attendees were driven around each area of the shipyard and provided a thorough and entertaining snapshot of the detailed and expansive work the shipyard produces for U.S. military services. A walking tour of the Apprentice School was conducted by Dr. Robert Leber, Director of Education and Workforce Development at Northrop Grumman and Chairman of the Virginia Workforce Council. Dr. Leber took guests through the history of the school and explained the founding principles of the school, all based on “ships”: leadership, scholarship and craftsmanship.

Exploring the history of Virginia was next, as guests were guided by bus through the historic triangle and then led on a walking tour of Colonial Williamsburg, taking in the sites, sounds and smells of colonial life and following in the same footsteps as many of our presidents.

President Jefferson welcomes the group to Williamsburg

Finally, the group ended the tour with a warm reception from President Thomas Jefferson and Williamsburg Mayor Jeanne Zeidler at the Shield’s Tavern, followed by a hearty colonial meal, music and entertainment.  

Wednesday capped off the Workforce Liaison’s meeting with the formal business meeting and a candid discussion of cutting across issues and state innovative initiatives where guests were asked to share best practices, common challenges and to brainstorm ideas for addressing the challenges and improving service to the customers.

Virginia was thrilled to welcome workforce liaisons from across the country and to develop new working relationships, expand on opportunities and to identify best practices that can be implemented in the Commonwealth. 

For more pictures, visit the Flickr account.

Posted by Lauren Von Herbulis