Workforce Innovation
We partner with employers, universities, colleges, and public organizations to support tomorrow's skilled workforce! Our initiatives include:
EO Internships
The EO Internship Program sparks career interest in the next generation of our workforce by connecting high school students, schools, employers, and employees through meaningful work-based learning experiences. Designed to bridge classroom learning and the workplace, EO Internships gives students the opportunity to work alongside mentors, explore career pathways, and strengthen work-readiness skills through above-entry-level experiences that reveal the opportunities and potential futures available in the workforce.
EO Apprenticeships
EO Apprenticeships help young adults move from career interest to career readiness through paid, hands-on training with local employers. By combining classroom learning, structured on-the-job experience, mentorship, and industry-recognized credentials, apprentices build skills for in-demand careers in healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and more. As a Virginia Works intermediary partner, EO supports employers in developing strong talent pipelines while helping participants earn, learn, and grow in local Southwest Virginia communities together.
EO Educators in Industry
EO Educators in Industry connect selected educators from Ignite Program partner schools with local employers through in-person professional development experiences. Through employer site visits, industry tours, and discussions with business leaders, educators explore career pathways, technical skills, employability skills, workforce expectations, and postsecondary requirements. Participants bring real-world industry insights back to their classrooms and colleagues, strengthening connections between education, students, and the evolving workforce needs of local communities.
Project Health
Project Health connects young people in Southwest Virginia to high-demand healthcare careers through career exploration, training, and advancement support. Led by EO Companies with regional healthcare, education, and workforce partners, the initiative helps participants access job shadowing, internships, educational growth, credential pathways, job placement, and support services. Project Health strengthens the region’s healthcare talent pipeline while helping students build family-sustaining futures close to home.
GOTEC
GO TEC introduces middle school students to technology and engineering careers through hands-on learning in strategic industries across Southwest Virginia. Coordinated regionally by EO Companies in GO Virginia Region 1 and administered by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, the program builds a progressive talent pipeline through Career Connection Labs, foundational skills training, high school pathways, certifications, and partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations throughout the local region.
