Workforce Development Archives

Building a Stronger South-Central Virginia

By Francis Hodsoll|2025-05-29T16:00:58-04:00May 29th, 2025|Virginia Solar, Workforce Development|

The Story of the South-Central Virginia Business Alliance By Francis Hodsoll The South-Central Virginia Business Alliance (SCVBA) is a network of local businesses dedicated to meeting goods, services, and labor needs for major infrastructure projects and other economic development initiatives in South-Central Virginia. Too often, major infrastructure projects roll into rural areas without real connection to the communities they impact. There can be a disconnect—between developers and local workers, between opportunity and access. SCVBA is designed to bridge that gap

Randolph Solar: How Charlotte County will benefit

By Lea Maamari|2025-06-20T16:49:06-04:00February 2nd, 2021|Industry, Virginia Solar, Workforce Development|

Increased tax revenue, hundreds of jobs and increased revenue to landowners – solar projects provide many direct and indirect economic benefits in a community. Community Benefits of Randolph Solar Increased local income during construction includes tens of millions spent on labor and materials. Indirect economic benefits during construction include workers spending money locally at restaurants, shops, conveniences stores, gas stations, etc. This could cumulatively number in the millions of dollars. Increased local opportunities for income during project operations including landscaping

SHINE Continues to Prepare the Next Generation

By Lea Maamari|2025-06-20T16:39:17-04:00December 20th, 2019|Company Update, Construction, Industry, Virginia Solar, Workforce Development|

SHINE Continues to be Great Since 2018, The Solar Hands-on Instructional Network of Excellence (SHINE) has worked with Southside Virginia Community College and solar developers like SolUnesco to educate, train, and secure jobs for a new generation of solar workers. As Virginia commits legislatively to meeting ambitious renewable energy goals, and corporations like Microsoft are making major solar purchases in the state, SHINE remains committed to growing solar within the state and advocating for local hiring. Education and Training Through

SHINE: an Immersive Solar Training Program

By Lea Maamari|2025-06-20T16:21:46-04:00November 18th, 2019|Company Update, Industry, Virginia Solar, Workforce Development|

SHINE: Partnerships that Bridge Gaps The Solar Hands-On Instructional Network of Excellence (SHINE), is a public-private partnership dedicated to building innovative solar career pathways in Virginia. SHINE’s mission is to develop a qualified, diverse, equitable, and inclusive solar workforce, equip Virginians with the tools and knowledge to enter the solar sector, help solar developers and construction companies source qualified and trained talent, and bridge the gap between solar jobs supply and solar jobs demand. SolUnesco's Role The story of how