The state of Virginia has introduced a service-based workforce incentive called the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, designed as an alternative to its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, which offers $500 - $1,000 in cash for job creation. It is aimed especially at the manufacturing sector but available to other sectors as well. The goal is to shorten the learning curve and thereby accelerate a startup or expansion.
What Specific Services are Offered?
Customized, job-specific training services are designed and delivered using the most effective methodologies and media known for accelerating learning in each topic. These include hands-on training, simulations, broadcast-quality videos, illustrated work instructions, instructor-led classroom sessions, animations and e-learning modules. All company-specific materials developed during the project become the property of the client, and all proprietary information will be protected by a non-disclosure agreement.
Recruitment services include localized company- and job-specific recruiting web pages, applicant tracking, video job descriptions, quality of life videos, high-potential candidate identification, social media outreach, advertising, job fair support and pre-employment training to help both employers and potential employees achieve good matches.
Organizational development and operational excellence training and consulting services that help companies establish a collaborative culture and optimize individual performance.
How Much Assistance can a Company Receive?
Each program is customized to the project’s need and is at the discretion of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.
Which Companies are Eligible?
Both new and expanding companies are eligible, but they must meet certain new job creation criteria, as follows:
| Type of Operation | New Jobs Required |
| Manufacturing Operations Distribution Centers | 15 |
| Information Technology Corporate Headquarters Research and Development Shared Service Centers |
50 |
Example in the Non-Manufacturing Sector
GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) chose Richmond, Virginia as a worldwide hub for their R&D operations, adding 150 new jobs in that location. Even with internal resources and experience with leading private sector marketing agencies specializing in talent acquisition, GSK is fully leveraging the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program’s talent acquisition services.
