Talent and Workforce
A Skilled, Growing Workforce in the Heart of Central Virginia
Located in the heart of the East Coast’s northernmost right-to-work state, Central Virginia boasts a labor force of more than 187,000 workers—with an even larger pool commuting in from surrounding areas. The region’s labor pool is projected to grow by 3.8% by 2030, offering a steady pipeline of talent to support expanding businesses.
Hidden Labor Supply: A Competitive Advantage
Despite Central Virginia’s low unemployment rate, employers continue to find the talent they need thanks to the region’s hidden labor supply. This includes underemployed individuals working below their skill level, part-time workers seeking full-time opportunities, and out-commuters eager for jobs closer to home. These workers represent an untapped, motivated talent pool ready to contribute and grow.
Highly Efficient and Educated Workforce
Businesses in Central Virginia benefit from a highly efficient, skilled, and affordable workforce. Labor costs are 13% lower than the national average—allowing employers to attract and retain top-tier talent at a lower cost without compromising on quality.
With two community colleges—Germanna and Piedmont Virginia—and the University of Virginia, Central Virginia is home to a deeply educated and career-ready workforce. Over 43% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, with even higher concentrations in the Charlottesville metro area. These institutions produce graduates with strong technical skills, leadership capabilities, and a desire to make an impact.
Connect with College Interns and Recent Graduates
Internships are a critical part of Central Virginia’s talent development and retention strategy. Through the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP), employers can access tools and resources to build meaningful internship experiences—and businesses with fewer than 150 employees may qualify for wage-matching support for college interns. Both Germanna and Piedmont Virginia Community Colleges promote V-TOP funded internships to their students, as does the University of Virginia.
The University of Virginia also offers the Internship Placement Program (IPP), connecting UVA undergraduates with employers for project-based internships focused on mentorship and skill-building.
Employers looking to recruit recent graduates can promote their company on the Young Professionals page of LivingCentralVA.org. The site features a collection of business spotlights, as well as a regional job board tailored to entry-level opportunities.
These efforts help cultivate long-term talent pipelines and encourage students to build their careers right here in Central Virginia. Please follow these links for more information about the University of Virginia, Piedmont Virginia Community College, and Germanna Community College.
Attracting Talent with LivingCentralVA.org
LivingCentralVA.org is a resource to help businesses attract talent that has yet to move to the region. The site showcases the many ways to live, work, and play in Central Virginia—highlighting each locality’s unique character and the region’s outstanding quality of life.
Charlottesville ranked as a top 100 best place to live in 2021 and 2022. It’s more than just the city that’s a best place to live – it’s the entire region. Livability.com’s published Livability Central Virginia is a must-use digital marketing tool for businesses targeting new hires from outside Central Virginia.