Overview
The Roanoke Region's workforce represents a range of talent combined with top-quality training. Our labor draw extends far beyond the boundaries of the region, attracting workers from areas within a 60-mile radius. That means the total labor supply consists of more than 300,000 people. And, with a high concentration of colleges and universities and training programs, new highly-skilled people are joining the workforce all the time. It's no wonder why businesses from all over the world choose the Roanoke Region for business.
This section contains a wealth information including detailed demographics of the labor supply, skill sets, wages, and available training facilities and programs.
Below are general facts about the workforce to get you started.
General Information:
- Roanoke Region employers draw from a labor supply of more than 300,000 workers within 60-mile radius.
- Low unionization and practically non-existent work disruptions due to labor disputes.
- Consistently low absenteeism
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A vast skill set and talent pool represented by employment in transportation/material moving, construction, mathematical/computer, health care, and finance related industries.
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With more than 6,000 high school, 1,400 community college, and 10,000 4-year college graduates annually, highly educated and skilled workers are constantly entering the labor force.
- Twenty colleges and universities within a 60-mile radius and more than 100,000 students pursuing degrees.
- Six universities have masters programs in subjects including business administration, mathematics, engineering, and medicine.
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Three universities offer doctorate programs in various fields including science and mathematics, economics, medicine, and law.
- As a leader in high tech research, innovation, and development, Virginia Tech is educating students in new technology and information fields.
- Nationally recognized workforce training and retraining programs and training facilities available.