Like much of the country, the Roanoke Valley – and much of Southwest Virginia for that matter – has slowly emerged from the economic recession. This, despite a large number of closing and layoffs from some of the region’s largest employers. Combined with the continued decline of the coal industry, it might easily be assumed that the future is rather uncertain. Fortunately, that is not the case.
Currently, the region’s unemployment rate sits at a low 3.8 percent, down from 4.5 percent this time last year. Two contributing factors have made all the difference: Roanoke’s healthcare and technology growth.
High-demand Industries in Roanoke
The Roanoke Valley has emerged as the epicenter for healthcare providers in Southwest Virginia, with Carilion Clinic alone employing about 11,000 people. In addition, Lewis Gale Regional Health System and the Salem VA Medical Center add significantly to those numbers. This growth opens up various opportunities for Roanoke college graduates ready to begin their career paths.
In fact, there are the many technology jobs that continue to pour into the Roanoke Valley. Here are just some of the companies that are expanding or building new facilities since the beginning of the year:
- Arkay Packaging Corporation, one of the world’s premiere folding carton manufacturing companies, is investing $11 million to upgrade equipment and expand its operation in Botetourt County, creating 60 new jobs.
- ELDOR Corporation, an Italian manufacturer of automotive components, is investing about $75 million to establish its first North American production plant at Botetourt Center at Greenfield, creating 350 new jobs during the next five years.
- Deschutes Brewery, the fifth largest craft brewer in the United States, just recently announced that it will build an East Coast brewery in the City of Roanoke. The company will invest $85 million on a 49-acre site in the Roanoke Centre for Industry & Technology, and is expected to employ 108 people.
- Specialty yarn producer Drake Extrusion is putting $6 million into expanding its manufacturing operations in Henry County, leading to 30 new jobs.
- Ply Gem Windows has just announced that it will invest $1.98 million to expand its manufacturing operations in Rocky Mount, adding 76 jobs over three years.
| Company | Location | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Wells Fargo | Roanoke County | 500 |
| Teletech | Scott County | 300 |
| Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company | Smyth County | 200 |
| Qore Systems | Washington County | 140 |
| Bristol Compressors International | Washington County | 110 |
| Hubbell Lighting | Montgomery County | 100 |
| Oak Hall Industries | Grayson County | 100 |
| Dhiyo House | Wise County | 80 |
| Schaffner MTC Transformers | Wythe County | 79 |
| AT&T Wireless | Russell County | 60 |
These jobs are different from the ones that went away decades ago, as companies sought cheap labor. Today’s manufacturing plants are efficient and productive because they rely on technology to get the job done. That means they need highly-skilled employees.
If you want to compete for these jobs – whether in technology or healthcare (which also now relies heavily on technology), you will need very precise skills. If you don’t already have them, considering investing in yourself just like these companies are investing in the community. Consider going back to school.
Visit ECPI University in Roanoke: Discover Our Technology & Healthcare Degrees
For the past 50 years, ECPI University has built its reputation on providing degree programs linked to technology and the specific demands of employers in Roanoke, Virginia and beyond. At our Roanoke campus, you can find a program that aligns to the many highly-skilled positions found Roanoke Valley’s growing economy, from network security and medical assisting to practical nursing, and registered nursing (RN), each of these programs could be the first step toward a new and exciting career.
Even better, through ECPI University’s accelerated, year-round program, you can earn your associate’s degree in 1.5 years or less! Want to learn more? Contact ECPI University today. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
Enrolling at ECPI was the best decision I've made so far
— wizzal704 (@weedsmoke336) April 6, 2016
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Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s
Gainful Employment Information – Nursing (RN) - Associate’s
Gainful Employment Information – Practical Nursing - Diploma
Gainful Employment Information – Medical Assisting – Associate’s
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