Strategic contributions to forge a skilled, resilient
Virginia workforce
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va.,
June 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --
Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) has announced a $620,000 investment in workforce development
across southeastern Virginia,
underscoring its commitment to community growth and the future of
the local workforce. The investment supports organizations
recognized for impactful programs and innovative approaches to
workforce development, with a special emphasis on young adults,
veterans and students at Virginia Historically Black Colleges and
Universities.
The funding will allow seven specialized entities to enhance
essential job readiness programs, including interview preparation,
resume writing, networking and scholarships for technical training
in high-demand industries, all critical for individual success in a
rapidly evolving job market.
Robert Duvall, president and CEO
of Virginia Natural Gas, outlined the investment's broader goals:
"We understand that workforce development is critical for the
success of our region. These investments are intended to help
veterans and the next generation of workers develop the technical
and professional skills that will lead to great jobs and careers
right here in Hampton Roads."
Shawn Avery, president and CEO of
the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, lauded the initiative:
"Virginia Natural Gas's contribution has a significant impact on
our youth workforce programs, addressing our region's workforce
needs."
Notable contributions and their impact:
- Hampton Roads Workforce Foundation
- NextGen: This commitment readies youth and
veterans for the workforce by teaching essential skills and aiding
advancement into meaningful careers or further education.
- Virginia Chamber Foundation - Various
Programs: This funding supports the Virginia Chamber
Workforce Center and veteran employment through hiring fairs and
workforce development conferences, fostering a statewide dialogue
on workforce issues. It also includes participation in "Hire Vets
NOW" and Veterans Committee hiring fairs on military bases and
supports the Military & Veterans Conference set for fall
2024.
- Norfolk State University (NSU) -
Spartan Promise to Persist with Purpose: A summer
program to enhance NSU students' job readiness and prepare
them for successful post-graduation careers.
- Hampton University -
Workforce Development Scholarship: Scholarships are
provided for technical training courses in fields like welding and
HVAC to promote technical proficiency among students and
community members.
- Bridging Communities Regional CTE Foundation - Regional
Career and Technical Center: Prepares students for
professional industries through career-focused education and
work-based learning.
- Neighborhood - General Programming: Focuses
on personal and professional growth, providing technical training
and facilitating employment connections in growing sectors.
- Accelerating Change Together Grant - Grant
Program: A collaborative grant enhancing the workforce
development sector, awarded in partnership with Bayport, Huntington
Ingalls and Ferguson.
Virginia Natural Gas' $620,000
investment in workforce development underscores the company's
belief in the transformative power of education and job readiness.
By fostering economic growth and improving quality of life, VNG is
a leader in providing energy and community support, championing a
skilled and resilient workforce for a thriving Virginia. To that end, last month VNG hosted
its inaugural Workforce Development Summit, further highlighting
this commitment by bringing together partners to address workforce
needs through collaboration. Panelists discussed attracting,
recruiting and employing talent; leadership development; workforce
planning and knowledge transfer; impactful community models; and
the benefits of open collaboration between academia and
industry.
For more information on VNG's initiatives and contributions to
workforce development, please visit virginianaturalgas.com.
About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one
of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas,
a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia
Natural Gas provides natural gas service to more than 310,000
customers in southeast Virginia.
Named a Top Workplace in 2023, Virginia Natural Gas also has been
recognized as one of the safest, most reliable and customer-focused
natural gas service providers and is consistently ranked in the top
quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates.
For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and
connect with the company
on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO),
America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves
approximately 4.2 million natural gas utility customers through its
regulated distribution companies in four states and approximately
600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural
gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in
interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas
storage facilities. For more information,
visit southerncompanygas.com.
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SOURCE Virginia Natural Gas