WorkForce NOW

WorkForce Now: Transforming Our Region’s Workforce

438

Businesses served
since 2023

209

Work Based Learning
Partnerships Established

$10k

In Scholarships Awarded

How does the Chamber Support Workforce Readiness?

In an evolving business landscape, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber is leading the way with Workforce NOW. This initiative, in collaboration with education and stakeholders, aims to transform workforce development, guiding regional students toward enrollment, enlistment, or employment after education.

Mission: To develop and sustain partnerships to support and encourage workforce readiness and workforce development.

Vision: A workforce ready to meet the Fredericksburg region’s current and future employment needs.

Mock Interview Day

This interview day is designed to interview and provide feedback to high school and college students in attendance. Students will participate in real-world interviews, providing them with the chance to practice their skills and receive personalized advice on how to improve. Interviewers, who are leaders in various industries, volunteer their time to mentor and guide students through the process, helping to prepare them for future job interviews.

Workforce Workshops

Join us for our lunchtime workshop series, where we explore essential topics like non-traditional hiring strategies, becoming an attractive employer, achieving success with interns, and more! These FREE workshops are supported by our grant and provide valuable insights to help your business thrive in today’s competitive workforce environment. Don’t miss out on these informative sessions designed to enhance your hiring practices and overall employer brand!

Intern Expo

The Expo offers a unique opportunity for businesses to connect with potential interns while allowing students to explore diverse career paths across various sectors. This event is particularly valuable for companies looking to attract interns in fields not typically associated with their industry, broadening their talent pool and fostering new opportunities for growth.

4th Annual Intern Expo- February 5th, 2025 from 9am-2pm at the Fredericksburg Convention Center

Student Voice

Student Voice is a group of high school and college students from Planning District 16, Germanna Community College, and UMW. They meet monthly with the Chamber to share insights on what the next generation seeks in employers, helping bridge the gap between schools and local businesses for future career success.

Mission: The Student Voice Subcommittee strives to increase student awareness of, preparedness for, and engagement in regional internship, externship, apprenticeship, and other career opportunities.

WorkForce Now Blog

What the Fredericksburg Intern Expo Reveals About the Future Workforce

The 4th Annual Intern Expo, hosted by the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and Workforce NOW, welcomed 650 students and 100 local businesses for a powerful day of connection and career exploration. With high engagement from high school and college students, and strong demand for internships, jobs, and apprenticeships—especially in sciences, health, engineering, and business—the event highlighted a rising interest in early career development and hands-on learning.

See what industries stood out and what it means for employers

Why Workforce Matters

Carley Walker, Sr. Director of Membership & Community Advancement

Preparing the Future Workforce: Why Readiness Starts in High School

As industries evolve and labor demands shift, preparing students for life after high school has never been more critical. Whether young people choose to pursue college, start a career, or enlist in the military, one thing is clear—workforce readiness must begin early, and high school is the ideal launching point.

High school is a pivotal time to build both technical competencies and soft skills—like communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving—that employers value across all industries.

Learn More HERE

Get Involved

Businesses Needed

For businesses and organizations, participating in workforce development programming is not just an opportunity but a strategic responsibility. The advantages of an educated workforce are numerous, including increased productivity and efficiency. Educated workers bring enhanced problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and adaptability to new technologies, contributing to greater overall efficiency in the workforce.

Learn More- Contact Carley Walker, Senior Vice President, Workforce & Community Development at [email protected]

Committees Driving Success

The success of Workforce NOW is attributed to the dedication of its Board of Directors and three specialized committees: the Workforce NOW Committee, Intern Expo Sub-Committee, and Student Voice Sub-Committee. These committees collaborate to plan and implement events and programming that align with the organization’s overarching goal of ensuring every regional student is equipped for success in the workforce.

Meet the Workforce now board of directors

Learn More about joining a committee

Meet the Students You Support

Susan Spears, President & CEO, Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

WorkForce Now Scholarship Fund

Make a Donation to the WorkForce Now Scholarship Fund

Scholarships are awarded annually to support higher education by providing two (2) $1,500 scholarships. It is open to graduating high school seniors and current college students who are continuing their education. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to academic success as well as active involvement in their community.

Gabrielle Williams

Workforce NOW Scholorship 2022 Recipient

Gabrielle Williams attended a homeschool program for her high school education. She graduated with many leadership positions and honors under her belt which aided her in becoming the 2022 recipient of the Workforce NOW Scholarship. Following graduation, she transitioned to the University of Connecticut, double majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and Psychology as well as minoring in English. Her interest in leadership has continued into college where she’s held various positions through the Residential Hall Association as well as other clubs. During her time at college, she has been accepted into the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for her academic excellence and participated in small amounts of research, an area she hopes to lean into more in the future. Her future goals include attending medical school to later become a pediatrician with a specialty in pediatric oncology or cardiology. She extends a heartfelt thanks to the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce and Workforce NOW board for their continued support and recognition of the impact of the Workforce NOW scholarship.