Get2KnowNoke, the talent attraction arm of the Roanoke Regional Partnership, has officially opened registration for Onboard|ROA. The eight-week program offers in-person professional development training and connects student interns, new hires, remote workers, and young professionals ages 18 through 25 to the Roanoke Region community, employers, and desirable amenities.
Onboard|ROA begins June 5 with weekly programming continuing through August 4. The program is supplemental to an employer onboarding process marrying soft-skill development, social connectivity, and regional orientation to help young professionals connect with their work, one another, and their community.
Participants will attend career-readiness training including “Teamwork & Building Your Workplace” and “Career & Self Development,” as well as outings like Treetop Quest at Explore Park or dinner and a concert at 5 Points Music Sanctuary. All professional development workshops are facilitator led and follow the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) career readiness curriculum. The social outings are curated specifically to highlight the region’s outdoor assets and cultural amenities, “creating a stickiness” for the region.
Talent attraction and retention is a top initiative in the Partnership’s five-year strategic plan. Localities across the country are fighting to attract, train, and retain top-tier talent, and the Roanoke Region is no different. Studies show that what makes a region “sticky” are the social connections.
In addition to that stickiness, Onboard|ROA addresses the needs of regional employers, interns, and young employees. Regional employers have expressed their desire to hire experienced talent. On the flip side, data shows that many college students and young talent are looking for employment in the region upon graduation but, due to lack of experience, can’t find those opportunities.
“We need employers to invest in our future workforce by offering internships and opportunities for talent right after graduation,” said Julia Boas, director of talent strategies. “When we send our young talent away to gain their first few years of experience in other markets, we run the risk of them never returning.” She hopes to address these issues through this regional onboarding program.
For more information, contact Julia Boas, director of Talent Strategies by email: Julia@roanoke.org or calling 540-835-3191.
