Job training Programs

Blue Ridge Job Corps: 245 W. Main Street, Marion, VA 24354 | 800.733.JOBS | Job Corps is a federal program providing job skills training, education (including GED), counseling, and other assistance to 16- to 24-year-olds meeting eligibility requirements (receives public assistance, in foster care, is homeless, receives free or reduced-price lunch, or earns poverty-level income). Room and board are provided for young women, as well as a living stipend and paid transportation to and from home on breaks. Both men and women may commute to the campus. See full eligibility requirements here.

Build Smart Institute: 701 Gainsboro Road, Roanoke, 24016 | 540-900-3340 |Text: 540-900-3337 info@buildsmartinstitute.com | Facebook page | Educates and trains individuals to become career-ready and advance within construction industry occupations, using a combination of virtual learning, classroom instruction, and hands-on laboratory skill practice. Many certifications are available. Training in the areas of construction, plumbing, framing, electrical, project management, and more.

Commonwealth Catholic Charities: 541 Luck Avenue, SW, Suite 118, Roanoke, VA 24016 | 540-342-0411 | help@cccofva.org | Job training and readiness support, job placement, small and business development.

Community Solutions Center: 2328 Melrose Avenue NW, Roanoke, 24017| 540-521-2242 | Meal production training program. Programs in collaboration with Goodwill, Food Lion, Roanoke Police, Feeding Southwest Virginia, and community leaders.

EnVision Center: Located across from the RRHA Main Office (Lansdowne), 2607 Salem Turnpike NW, Roanoke, 24017 | Facebook page | (540) 983-9252  | Offers career counseling, resume development, education, financial literacy classes, job training resources, community and individual health needs, and other resources in partnership with other area agencies including Carilion Clinic, Virginia Western Community College, Commonwealth Catholic Charities, Virginia Career Works, and more. Office open 8:30 am to 5 pm, with special programs offered at other times.  Services are open to the public and residents of the housing authority.

FastForward: Virginia program through community colleges offering short-term in-person and online training for job credentials in several high-need fields, including healthcare, logistics & transportation, welding & manufacturing, skilled trades, information technology, business & customer service, and education. Participants work with coaches to walk them through the process and receive a subsidy of 2/3 of the cost of training. Participants can also join the VAReady Initiative to earn a $1,000 award upon receiving credentials and have direct connections with hiring partners and helpful resources.

Goodwill Industries of the Valleys: 2502 Melrose Avenue NW, Roanoke, 24017 | 540-581-0620, option 1 | info@goodwillvalleys.com | Training programs available for adults in the healthcare field.  Specific services also available to help youth, older workers, and re-entering citizens. 

GJ Hopkins Apprenticeship Programs: 714 5th Street NE, Roanoke, 24016 | 540-982-1873 | info@gjhopkins.com | Paid apprenticeship programs for students under 18 in plumbing, sheet metal mechanic, electrical, and mechanical trades.

House of Bread: 1200 Campbell Avenue SW, Roanoke, 24016 | 540-524-2327 | houseofbreadroanoke@gmail.com | Participants, who are formerly incarcerated women, take an eight-week course to learn hands-on skills for baking bread and food preparation, as well as emotional and spiritual support through one-on-one mentoring.  At the end of the course, participants have earned ServSafe food handling training, as well as customer service and marketing skills and job search and resume building assistance.

Jobs for Life (led locally by Friendship House at various church sites): 540-523-1098 | restoringhope@friendshiphouseroanoke.org | Participants take a 15 lesson course with classes about the dignity of work, character traits for the workplace, making a career plan, and other work skills, all from a Biblical basis.  They work with mentors, called champions, and also get to know business leaders in the community through different panels. Interested in the next class?  Tell us about yourself here. 

Roanoke Regional Small Business Development Center: Visits by appointment only, with locations in Roanoke, Blacksburg, and Franklin County | 540-632-1174 (call or text)| hello@roanokesmallbusiness.org | Facebook page | Offers free advising, resources, and training for anyone starting a small business in the Roanoke area. 

Total Action for Progress (TAP): 302 2nd Street SW, Roanoke, 24011 | 540.767.6204 | Training programs for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), and ServSAFE (food safety certification). Additional training programs and stipends may also be available; since eligibility varies by geography and programs, call for placement into the best program for you.

VAReady Initiative: partners with FastForward and additional partners (such as Sentara College of Health Sciences)  to provide subsidized job training and a $1,000 award to those who receive their credentials. Business partners also offer resources and employment opportunities.

Virginia Career Works Roanoke Center: 3601 Thirlane Road NW Suite 2, Roanoke, 24019 | 540-562-8442 | Job placement, training, and preparedness support services, as well as referrals to many other local services and agencies. Check out their career interests and work values assessment and skills assessment here.

Virginia Western Community College: 3094 Colonial Avenue SW, Roanoke, 24015 | 540-857-8922 | See all areas of study, career and corporate training, and fast track programs. Scholarships and financial support available.