Virginia Natural Gas fuels workforce development with $620,000 investment

Rhea-AI Summary

Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) announced a $620,000 investment in workforce development across southeastern Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance job readiness programs focusing on young adults, veterans, and students at Virginia Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The funds will support organizations like Hampton Roads Workforce Foundation, Virginia Chamber Foundation, Norfolk State University, and others to provide skills training, scholarships, and employment connections in high-demand industries. The investment underscores VNG's commitment to community growth, economic development, and a skilled local workforce. VNG's President and CEO, Robert Duvall, emphasized the importance of developing technical and professional skills for regional success, while Shawn Avery, CEO of Hampton Roads Workforce Council, highlighted the significant impact on youth programs. The investment is part of VNG's broader effort to foster economic growth and improve quality of life in Virginia.

Positive

• Investment of $620,000 in workforce development.
• Focus on young adults, veterans, and HBCU students.
• Support for organizations with impactful workforce programs.
• Funding for job readiness programs like resume writing and interview preparation.
• Scholarships for technical training in high-demand industries.
• Contribution praised by local workforce leaders.
• Support for statewide initiatives and conferences on workforce issues.
• Investment seen as boosting regional economic growth.

Negative

• No immediate financial returns or revenue increase reported.
• Potentially high expectations from stakeholders for program outcomes.
• Investment may divert funds from other company needs.

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

FAQ

What is Virginia Natural Gas's recent investment in workforce development?

Virginia Natural Gas announced a $620,000 investment to support workforce development programs in southeastern Virginia.

How will the $620,000 investment be used?

The investment will fund job readiness programs, technical training scholarships, and support for youth, veterans, and HBCU students.

Which organizations are benefiting from Virginia Natural Gas's investment?

Organizations benefiting include Hampton Roads Workforce Foundation, Virginia Chamber Foundation, Norfolk State University, and others.

What are the goals of Virginia Natural Gas's investment in workforce development?

The goals are to enhance job readiness, support technical training, and foster economic growth in southeastern Virginia.

What impact does Virginia Natural Gas's investment have on the local community?

The investment aims to develop a skilled workforce, improve job opportunities, and support economic growth in the region.