Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board is located in the beautiful coalfields of the Appalachian mountains of Southwest Virginia and serves the communities in Area One. This includes the communities of Buchanan, Dickenson, Lee, Russell, Scott, Tazewell, and Wise Counties, as well as the City of Norton. Although it is a predominately rural area, there is significant industrial development and business presence. Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board is committed to helping improve the lives of people in this area, by assisting individuals in obtaining employment and furthering their career skills. It is the Workforce Development Board Area One's mission to develop a strong workforce in Southwest Virginia that encourages and sustains economic growth. Who Do We Help? ◦ Businesses ◦ Entrepreneurship/Business Start-Up ◦ Mom & Pop Shops looking to grow ◦ Small, medium, and large businesses with individual needs ◦ Individuals ◦ Adults & Dislocated Workers (18 and older) ◦ Youth (Ages 16-24) Where can you go for help? For businesses: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to assist businesses in finding skilled workers and to enhance access to other important workforce services. WIOA provides opportunities for businesses to participate in training eligible youth and adults, and provides connections to those who have received training from approved education and training providers. Assistance includes: ◦ Worker Training ◦ On-the-Job Training ◦ Customized Training ◦ Internships/Work Experiences ◦ Layoff Assistance For individuals: Each community offers central service locations to assist individuals in finding employment, training, and educational resources through participating in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity (WIOA) services. Southwest Virginia Workforce Development Board provides WIOA services through SWVA Works.