Strategic Advantage // Workforce
10 Colleges and Universities collectively graduate more than 11,000 students each year
The Shenandoah Valley offers a powerful and reliable workforce built on a deep talent pipeline, strong educational institutions, and a culture of dedication that employers consistently praise.
With ten colleges and universities, including James Madison University, Blue Ridge Community College, Mary Baldwin University, and the Virginia Military Institute, and multiple career & technical education centers, the region produces a steady stream of graduates equipped with in-demand skills.
Our education network partners closely with employers to align training with real-world needs, supporting a diverse industry base that spans advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics, technology, and professional services.
Combined with the region’s reputation for a strong work ethic, loyalty, and productivity, the Shenandoah Valley provides companies with a workforce that is both highly capable and ready to grow.
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#1 Customized Training Leader in the U.S. – Business Facilities Magazine, 2025
Education & Training Providers
Regional Career and Technical Centers provide Career and Technical Education (CTE) curricula to our local high school student populations, as well as offering adult continuing education programs, trade-industry certifications and a wealth of related training options.
- Floyd S. Kay Technical Center, Serving Rockbridge County
- Industrial Refrigeration Technical College, Serving the Shenandoah Valley and beyond
- Massanutten Technical Center, Serving Harrisonburg and Rockingham County
- Mertz Career and Technical Center, Serving Bath County
- Page County Technical Center, Serving Page County
- Triplett Tech, Serving Shenandoah County
- Valley Career and Technical Center, Serving Augusta County, Staunton and Waynesboro
- Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center, Serving people with disabilities
Interested in learning more?