VTCA Members Connect with Students at Mission Tomorrow

	Shalonda Brezial with Archer Western helping kids explore construction sites through virtual reality.

In an era where the landscape of finding workers is evolving at an unprecedented pace, engaging with the next generation of talent is essential for any company's sustainable success. The recent Richmond, VA Chamber's Mission Tomorrow event, held from October 10 through 12, brought 12,000 middle schoolers into numerous clusters of career paths, including construction, and highlighted the critical importance of why career fairs should be a key component of every company's strategic plan. 

The Richmond Chamber's Mission Tomorrow event epitomizes the essence of this revolution. 

• Bridging the Skills Gap: In a rapidly changing job market, companies are often faced with a skills gap, with new employees lacking the competencies required for the roles they seek to fill. Career fairs provide a unique opportunity for businesses to engage with students early, helping to connect school into the next generation of skills and knowledge necessary for tomorrow. 
• Fostering Diversity and Inclusion: A diverse and inclusive workforce is crucial for innovation and success. Youth career fairs enable companies to reach out to a broad spectrum of students, promoting diversity from the very beginning. This, in turn, can enhance the overall inclusivity of the organization, as well as its appeal to a wider customer base. 
• Talent Pipeline: Having a structured approach to engaging with students at an early stage helps create a robust talent pipeline. Companies that participate in events like Mission Tomorrow can identify and nurture school and teacher connections, providing access to students.  VTCA helps members continue the journey through our efforts with Virginia's High Quality Work Based Learning initiative.  VTCA's next session is in Culpeper on November 8: HQWBL Session Registration.
• Community Engagement: Being part of youth career fairs not only benefits companies but also demonstrates their commitment to the community. Such engagement fosters goodwill, which can be invaluable in building a positive brand image and strengthening relationships with local stakeholders.  

Strategic Integration: To make the most of youth career fairs, it's essential for companies to integrate them into their strategic plans. Here are a few steps to consider: 

	H&B Surveying and Mapping walked kids through different types of surveying.

• Establish a Long-Term Vision: Plan for sustained engagement with students, creating opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship programs. This requires a long-term vision that aligns with the company's growth and talent development strategy.   
• Adaptability and Innovation: Given the ever-evolving job market, it's crucial for companies to be adaptable and innovative. Keep an eye on emerging skills and industries to ensure your strategic plan remains relevant. 
• Measurable Outcomes: Incorporate key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the impact of your youth engagement initiatives. This data-driven approach will help you fine-tune your strategy over time. 
• Collaboration and Partnerships: Consider collaborating with local schools, colleges, and other organizations to create a more comprehensive approach to talent development. Collective efforts can yield more substantial results.  Partnering with your local HQWBL liaison will open a pathway to your community. 

The Richmond Chamber's Mission Tomorrow event underlines the significance of youth career fairs in today's dynamic employment landscape. By participating in and supporting these events, companies can not only secure their future talent needs but also contribute positively to the community and foster innovation within their organization. As we embrace a future full of change, investing in our youth is an investment in a brighter and more resilient tomorrow. 

A special thanks to all the volunteers who helped at the VTCA booth: 

• Allan Myers
• H&B Surveying and Mapping
• Quinn Consulting Services 
• Archer Western
• DRMP 

Other VTCA Members who hosted their own booths were: 

• Branch Construction
• Martin Marietta
• Timmons Group 
• Carter Machinery
• Shirley Contracting