Release Date: October 2024
Partnerships for Workforce Success
By Quentin R. Johnson, Ph.D.
Today’s rapidly evolving workforce requires adaptable, career-focused education. Under the visionary leadership of Keith Harkins, PhD, who serves as Southside Virginia Community College’s Vice President of Workforce and Academic Programs, our Workforce Development team has risen to the challenge, partnering with leading local industries to create specialized programs. These partnerships ensure that our graduates are well-prepared for the job market and equipped with skills that align with the demands of local employers.
As Dr. Harkins explains, “Our Workforce Department has operated tirelessly to build
partnerships with top-tier industry leaders, ensuring that our students gain skills and real-world experiences that align with the demands of today’s job market. The success of our graduates speaks volumes about the dedication and vision of our team."
One of our flagship initiatives is the partnership with Southside Electric Cooperative and
Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, which enabled the launch of our Power Line Worker
Training Program. With nearly 600 graduates since its inception and boasting job placement rates of over 90%, this program supplies participants with critical skills needed to support Virginia’s infrastructure, and it has prepared students for high-demand careers in the energy sector. Through our industry partners' ongoing support, this program has become a national model for workforce training. Moreover, our team has helped five community colleges in three states start their own programs.
Microsoft, another key partner, helped us establish a state-of-the-art Critical Environment (CE) training lab. A cutting-edge facility, the lab aims to upskill and reskill students, empowering them for success in electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and other industrial environments. Microsoft also provided a generous donation to support the development of our newest lab, which is part of Microsoft’s Datacenter Academy program. This new training initiative serves as a pilot project that will soon be replicated across additional Microsoft locations.
Other standout achievements include our Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Diesel Repair programs. Partnerships with the Virginia Trucking Association, Walmart Distribution Centers, Estes Trucking, R.O. Harrell Inc., and others have led to the creation of a curriculum that is not only industry-informed but also future-focused. In addition, thanks to partners like CAT Machinery, our Diesel Repair program continues to grow and prepare graduates for great careers.
What truly sets our Workforce Development team apart is their ability to stay ahead of the curve. By engaging with employers, they ensure that SVCC remains a leader in preparing a skilled and resilient workforce. In addition, students in these courses of study, and others like them including those in the healthcare sector, can take advantage of Virginia’s FastForward program, which provides tuition assistance for high-demand, well-paying jobs.
According to Dr. Harkins, "The workforce programs we’ve developed at SVCC are directly
contributing to the economic vitality of Southside Virginia. By partnering with industry leaders, we address critical labor shortages in fields like energy, logistics, and advanced manufacturing while creating career pathways that lead to high-paying jobs for our graduates. These efforts are not just benefiting individuals; they are strengthening our regional economy and helping local businesses thrive."
I am proud of what Dr. Harkins and our Workforce Development team have achieved. Their
work is an inspiration and a beacon of hope for the future. Their efforts are transforming the lives of our students and the businesses and industries that drive our local economy. For more information, visit southside.edu/workforce.
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Dr. Quentin R. Johnson is president of Southside Virginia Community College, an institution of higher learning that provides a wide variety of education opportunities to a diverse student population within a service area that spans ten counties and the City of Emporia. He can be reached via email at quentin.johnson@southside.edu.
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