NORFOLK, Va. — Author's Note: The video above is a national story on the Biden administration and hiring that aired on September 3, 2021.
Job vacancies are on the rise nationwide and across the Seven Cities, and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council launched an effort to address staffing shortages.
The "Let's Go To Work" campaign encourages people to re-enter the workforce.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 47.4 million employees voluntarily resigned from their positions in 2021.
With factors including the COVID-19 pandemic and people's desire for higher wages, employers have had a difficult time keeping employees.
Child care needs and mental health struggles also have contributed to the situation.
The council's campaign hopes to address staffing shortages across the board, but it's focusing on specific high-demand industries, including IT, hospitality and construction.
“The Hampton Roads Workforce Council is well-positioned to align skilled, qualified employees with careers they can feel motivated to join, while helping regional businesses and organizations solve pre-pandemic challenges of attracting and retaining talent,” said Shawn Avery, the president and CEO of Hampton Roads Workforce Council.
The Hampton Roads Workforce Council is partnering with community colleges, including Camp Community College, Thomas Nelson Community College and Tidewater Community College, to provide free training and employer connections for students interested in welding as a career.
A job fair also is planned for April 7 at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton.