Growing the Future Workforce
Workforce Development & Apprenticeship Expansion Summit
Tuesday, December 8, 2026 | 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. | Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, 1 Partnership Circle, Abingdon, Virginia
Free to attend
Explore ways to grow Southwest Virginia’s workforce through registered apprenticeship. Hear from employers and apprentices, join cross-sector discussions and leave with practical next steps. A networking lunch follows the summit.
Featured Keynote Speaker
Nicole Overley
Commissioner of Virginia Works
State of the Workforce in Southwest Virginia
As Commissioner of Virginia Works, Nicole Overley helps advance workforce development and registered apprenticeship across the Commonwealth, connecting Virginians with training and in-demand careers. Her keynote brings a statewide perspective to Southwest Virginia’s workforce opportunities.
Summit Agenda
9 a.m. | Welcome and Keynote
Commissioner Nicole Overley of Virginia Works presents “State of the Workforce in Southwest Virginia.”
10 a.m. | Employer and Apprentice Panels
Hear employers and apprentices share successes, lessons learned, and opportunities to expand registered apprenticeship.
11:15 a.m. | Breakouts and Partner Connections
Join cross-sector discussions with education, business, workforce, and community partners; connect over shared priorities.
12:00 p.m. | Action Session and Lunch
Identify practical next steps for regional apprenticeship expansion before the summit concludes at 1 p.m. A networking lunch follows.
Questions?
Contact Jenny Nichols, Registered Apprenticeship Coordinator
Address
Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center
1 Partnership Circle, Abingdon, Virginia