WorkForce NOW

WorkForce Now: Transforming Our Region’s Workforce

615

Businesses served
since 2023

249

Work Based Learning
Partnerships Established

$20k

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 business stakeholders, aims to transform workforce development, guiding regional students toward enrollment, enlistment, or employment after education.

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

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

Mock Interview Day

Students participate in real-world interviews, providing practice and personalized advice.

Education Forum

Forum focuses on developing and retaining future workforce talent and connecting students with meaningful careers

Intern Expo

Allows students to explore career paths across various sectors, and gives businesses exposure to potential interns.

Student Voice

A group of students who meet monthly with the Chamber and share insights about what the next generation seeks in employers.

WorkForce Now News

Building Tomorrow's Workforce Today

Explore how the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber’s Workforce NOW initiative is connecting education, business, and community to prepare the next generation of talent. From internship programs and career expos to partnerships with local schools and employers, Workforce NOW is shaping a stronger, more skilled regional workforce.

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]

The Oberle Academy Expands CTE Opportunities with New Heavy Equipment Operator Program

by marketing | September 30, 2026 | WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

We are excited to expand Career and Technical Education (CTE) opportunities at The Oberle Academy with the launch of our new Heavy Equipment Operator course, made possible through our continued partnership with Germanna Community College. As part of this partnership,...

Workforce Development Starts Before the Workforce

by marketing | September 30, 2026 | WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

September is Workforce Development Month, a time to recognize the people, programs, and partnerships that strengthen our local workforce. But building a strong workforce doesn’t begin when someone submits a job application. It begins much earlier, when a student first...

From Classroom to Career: How Stafford’s Specialty Centers Are Building the Future Workforce

by marketing | September 30, 2026 | WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

The Arts, Media, and Production (AMP) Specialty Center at Hartwood High School is in its inaugural year, and we are intentionally building a career-focused program designed to connect students with the rapidly evolving creative economy. AMP brings together four...

Building the Workforce We Need: Why Employers Must Invest in Work-Based Learning

by marketing | September 30, 2026 | WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

By Bobby McLaughlin, Owner of Four Elements Electric As a Master Electrician and the owner of Four Elements Electric, I’ve learned that running a business is about much more than the work we perform every day. It’s about building something that provides opportunities...

King George High School’s Reverse Career Fairs

by marketing | September 18, 2026 | News, WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

Come see what all the fuss is about! King George High School's Reverse Career Fairs "flip the script" with STUDENTS as the ones manning the booths about themselves, their strengths and their Dream Jobs while YOU get to circulate offering practice job interviews...

Career development starts now because the future workforce is already sitting in our classrooms.

by marketing | September 9, 2026 | WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

By- Sue Venable-Shelton, Spotsylvania County Career and Technical Education Director As industries evolve, technology advances, and workforce needs continue to change, preparing students for their futures has never been more important. But career development should...

Practical Workforce Strategies for Employers- Virginia Works Employer Webinar Series

by marketing | August 26, 2026 | WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

Virginia Works’ Employer Webinar Series is designed to help Virginia businesses strengthen their workforce strategies at every stage of the talent lifecycle, from developing and hiring talent to retaining employees. Each interactive session features expert insights,...

A New Mural Comes to Life at The Oberle Academy

by marketing | August 26, 2026 | WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

Local artists Gabe Pons of PONSHOP Studio & Gallery and Sophia Pineda (Sophiola) recently completed a beautiful mural on our campus. The idea for the mural began through conversations between President & CEO Al Fagan and Oberle student Allen, whose love of...

Stay Local. Build Your Career. Grow Your Future.

by marketing | August 26, 2026 | WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

What does service mean? It means making sure people in our community have opportunities close to home. With our Mission Services Team and the CareerPath Accelerator, friends and neighbors can gain skills, training, and career support without needing to leave the area...

Connecting Rural Communities to Opportunity

by marketing | August 26, 2026 | WorkForce NOW | 0 Comments

In rural communities, access can make all the difference. That’s why Elizabeth Smith, our very own Mobile Resource Specialist, brings workforce support directly into the Orange County Public Library system, helping people connect with services without having to travel...

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 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.