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Driving Economic Transformation

51 Students Participate in AspHIRE Mock Interview Day

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51 Students Participate in AspHIRE Mock Interview Day

51 Students Participate in AspHIRE Mock Interview Day

On April 17, 2026, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted the AspHIRE Mock Interview Day, providing a valuable opportunity for 51 high school students from Danville Public Schools to develop and refine their interview and workplace readiness skills. Part of IALR’s effort to connect students to local career opportunities, this event was also supported by local employers and professionals who volunteered their time.

Students participated in mock interviews with local professionals, gaining insight into the expectations and nuances of the interview process. These hands-on experiences gave students a real-world understanding of the job application process, helping them build confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.

These Danville Public Schools students have applied for summer internships through the Danville Summer Experience Works Internship Program.

“The AspHIRE Mock Interview Day helps prepare students with the necessary skills to be successful in the workplace. They have the chance to get a “conference” style experience, networking with peers and professionals at a professional lunch and attend breakout sessions.” – Dr. J. Ako Barnes, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Danville Public Schools

“Doing the AspHIRE mock interviews was a really helpful experience for me. It gave me a chance to practice what real interviews are like in a low-pressure setting. I learned how to talk about my strengths, stay calm while answering questions, and think on my feet. The feedback I got helped me understand how to improve things like my confidence, tone, and body language. Overall, it made me feel more prepared for future summer internships and gave me a better idea of what employers expect.” – Justin Greene, Freshman, George Washington High School

“Investing is a verb, and this experience showed me how to take action toward my future instead of just thinking about it. It taught me that growth comes from consistency, preparation, and the courage to step into opportunities. I’m especially grateful for the people who take the time to help us invest in ourselves, because that’s what truly builds our future.” – My’Anna Wilson, Junior, Galileo High School

“I learned that the best professionalism does not come from the most formal attire, but rather the way you carry yourself with honesty, strong work ethic, and accountability inside and outside of the workforce.” – Isabelle DelGiorno, Sophomore, Galileo High School

A Day of Learning and Networking

In addition to the mock interviews, students engaged in work-readiness sessions covering important topics such as professionalism, time management, human resources and benefits, communication and personal branding. The event also included a networking luncheon, where students had the chance to meet and interact with local professionals and peers, further expanding their professional network.

“AspHIRE Mock Interview Day continues to help students develop the skills necessary for success in the workplace. We’re proud to support these students as they prepare for their careers and look forward to seeing the impact this experience has on their future professional journeys.” – Jessie Vernon, Director of Employer Engagement and Experiential Learning, IALR

AspHIRE Mock Interview Day is part of IALR’s ongoing efforts to provide career readiness opportunities through its EmPOWER framework. By connecting students with local professionals and offering hands-on learning experiences, IALR is helping equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in today’s workforce.

 

V-TOP AND EmPOWER Webinar Coming to Dan River Region

V-TOP AND EmPOWER Webinar Coming to Dan River Region

Webinar Presents Resources to Recruit Talent and Strengthen Talent Pipeline

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, the Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce, and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) are partnering to provide Chamber members an opportunity to learn about the Virginia Talent + Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) and EmPOWER work-based learning framework. Both initiatives are designed to assist employers in recruiting talent and strengthening regional talent pipelines. V-TOP is funded through the Commonwealth Innovative Internship Fund and Program. The purpose of the program is to expand paid and credit-bearing student internships and other work-based learning opportunities in collaboration with Virginia employers and facilitate the readiness of students, employers, and institutions of higher education to participate in internship and work-based learning.

“This webinar is a direct result from requests of Chamber members in our annual membership survey,” said Anne Moore-Sparks, president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. “Listening to the needs of business and responding with high quality, in-demand programming is a top priority. We are excited to partner with the Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce and are fortunate to have IALR as a partner because of their experience and reputation in facilitating work-based learning opportunities.”

Logo for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR).

There are several resources available through V-TOP to support businesses’ internship and work-based learning efforts, including modules to assist employers with developing an internship program, free mentor training, staffing agency services and internship stipend matching funds (for employers of certain sizes).

“Many of our chamber members are looking for ways to bring awareness to the talent pipeline. Our members are willing to utilize work-based learning opportunities as a valuable tool for introducing the workforce to their organizations,” said Brenell Thomas, president of the Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce. “Partnering on this event made sense because it provides an efficient and convenient way for the members of both chambers to gain insight about the valuable resources available through V-TOP.”

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research is the regional V-TOP facilitator for the Danville Pittsylvania County (and greater GO Virginia Region 3) region. EmPOWER is IALR’s employer-driven system to empower and connect students to careers and provides employers with a variety of opportunities and formats to connect with their future talent.

“Work-based learning is an amazing way to connect with young talent and develop employees with the skills employers need. Work-based learning is incredibly diverse — it’s not just internships. IALR’s EmPOWER team is passionate about connecting employers to programs and resources that work for their organization.” – Jessie Vernon, Program Manager for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

The one-hour webinar will be facilitated by both Jessie Vernon, Advanced Learning Program Manager, and Kiana Dillard, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. While this webinar is designed for Chamber members only, non-Chamber businesses who are interested in additional information should contact Jessie Vernon at Jessie.Vernon@ialr.org or 434.766.6722.

There is no cost to attend but registration is required. 

Register Today

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce accelerates business growth by connecting its 560+ member organizations and 22,000 employee members to dynamic resources and networks. The Chamber’s number one goal is to help area businesses of all sizes to grow and prosper.

The Martinsville Henry County Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization comprised of businesses serving our community. With over 600 members, the Chamber acts as a voice for businesses in the region while also providing opportunities for networking, collaboration, and increased community exposure.

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Danville and Martinsville.

IALR Receives Nearly $500,000 Grant to Expand Apprenticeships Within 15 Southern Virginia Localities

IALR Receives Nearly $500,000 Grant to Expand Apprenticeships Within 15 Southern Virginia Localities

IALR to create regional apprenticeship consortium and serve as VA DOLI intermediary sponsor for employers

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) has awarded the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) a grant of $497,890 for its ExTRA (Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeships) program to grow state registered apprenticeships within the 15 Southern Virginia localities throughout GO Virginia Region 3. IALR will create a regional apprenticeship consortium to recruit apprentices and employers, as well as serve as the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s (DOLI) intermediary sponsor to help employers lacking capacity to fulfill the role as primary sponsor.

Virginia’s Registered Apprenticeship program is an occupation-specific training model designed to produce highly skilled workers to meet the demands of employers. The model includes a combination of on-the-job training and related technical instruction with a paid job experience for the employees.

“Apprenticeships are a win-win for both employers and job seekers willing to learn on the job,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President, Advanced Learning, IALR. “The employer remains globally competitive by recruiting and retaining a highly skilled staff, and the job seeker receives a job with a good starting wage, valuable training and the chance to earn a portable Journeyworker credential without accumulating debt.”

In alignment with economic development interests and employer needs, IALR will focus on expanding apprenticeships for occupations in construction, healthcare, early childhood education, manufacturing and information technology. TRRC funding will support the following:

  1. continued support for a dedicated Apprenticeship Coordinator to provide technical assistance to employers in designing apprenticeship opportunities;
  2. incentives to employers to cover the direct costs of the required Related Technical Instruction (anticipated at 144 hours per year per apprenticeship), limited to $2,700 per year per apprentice; and
  3. development of a regional apprenticeship consortium with a website and marketing materials to support recruitment.

IALR plans to provide assistance for up to 36 new apprentices each year for three years, for a total of 108 apprentices (recognizing that depending on the selected occupation apprenticeship, terms can run one, two, three or four years). Employers will provide wages and fringe benefits averaging $16 per hour.

New apprenticeships will be registered through the state DOLI. Apprentices who succeed in this program will receive their Journeyworker credential, a nationally recognized certificate demonstrating an individual has completed an apprenticeship and has the ability to perform all tasks of the trade in the area certified.

The Danville Regional Foundation and employers will provide matching funds for the grant. The total estimated contribution from employers (for apprenticeship wages and benefits) is over $7 million for the three years of the grant period.

The TRRC grant award is a follow-up to the $64,800 2021 TRRC grant award, which funded the development of an implementation plan with a list of employers, by sector, who were interested in establishing an apprenticeship program; and details on the credentials for the different apprenticeship programs and associated training needs. Apprenticeship Coordinator Natori Neal of IALR, hired as part of this project, completed the aforementioned requirements, worked to have IALR approved as a Virginia DOLI intermediary sponsor, and has already begun assisting employers through the apprenticeship process.

“IALR works to increase awareness for registered apprenticeship as a high-quality, work-based learning model, provide companies with program development and registration support, and offer connections to resources that are integral to program sustainability,” said Neal. “We also have the capability to manage the administration of programs for businesses that do not have the capacity to serve as the primary sponsors of apprenticeship programs.”

Neal has helped five employers establish registered apprenticeship programs and currently has one company participating as an employer of record in an IALR-sponsored apprenticeship program.
“The journey to establish our apprenticeship program has not been one we’ve traveled alone,” said Justin Hylton, Vice President of plumbing solutions provider Southside Mechanical Services Inc. in Danville. “We’ve had a lot of help from the folks at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, our DOLI representative, as well as the people with Virginia Technical Institute.”

State registered apprenticeships are one aspect of IALR’s EmPOWER framework to promote work-based learning. An employer-driven system, EmPOWER provides job seekers opportunities and tools for career awareness, career exposure and engagement, and career experience, all to drive employment.

“ExTRA aligns perfectly with the Commonwealth’s goals to increase opportunities for licensing, training and job opportunities for in-demand, high-paying skilled positions,” said Jessie Vernon, Program Manager, IALR. “IALR is here to serve as an accessible resource and helpful guide for businesses and potential apprentices. In this way, we hope to generate more state registered apprenticeships, what we consider to be the pinnacle of work-based learning experiences.”

Interested businesses or potential apprentices should contact Neal at natori.neal@ialr.org or 434.766.6657.

(L-R) First row: John Daniel (Daniel Builders, LLC), Ulises Jimenez, David Sage (Virginia Technical Institute); second row: Natori Neal (IALR), Kara Joyce (Virginia Department of Labor and Industry), and Dr. Julie Brown (IALR) participate in a signing ceremony.

(Left to right) Front: Plumber apprentices Corey Woods, James Hess, Caleb Shelton and Anthony Worsham Jr.; back: Natori Neal, IALR; Kara Joyce, Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI); Justin Hylton, Vice President, Southside Mechanical Services (SMS); George Hylton, Owner/ President, SMS; David Sage, Executive Director, Virginia Technical Institute (VTI); and Jessie Vernon, IALR. IALR worked with DOLI and VTI to help SMS achieve registration as a state apprenticeship sponsor.