PCCDC THRIVES™ — Pillar One

Training & Workforce Development

“Preparing People for Employment, Careers, Entrepreneurship, and Economic Independence”

PCCDC's Training & Workforce Development Pillar seeks to help individuals improve employment readiness, develop marketable skills, explore career pathways, pursue training opportunities, strengthen workplace confidence, and move toward greater economic independence.

Purpose

Purpose

Employment and workforce preparation are foundational to family stability and community well-being. When individuals are equipped with marketable skills, professional confidence, and access to career pathways, they are better positioned to secure stable housing, support their families, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities.

Workforce readiness is not simply about finding a job — it is about building the capacity for long-term economic independence. PCCDC seeks to address the full spectrum of employment barriers, from basic job-search skills to career advancement and entrepreneurship, so that individuals can move from instability toward sustained self-sufficiency.

Capable individuals may face barriers including limited work experience, outdated resumes, lack of digital skills, limited professional networks, transportation challenges, insufficient occupational credentials, or lack of exposure to available career pathways. PCCDC seeks to help individuals identify and address those barriers as part of a broader pathway toward independence.

Goals

What This Pillar Seeks to Accomplish

Improve employability and employment readiness for individuals at all experience levels

Increase access to career training, vocational education, and certification opportunities

Build workplace readiness skills including communication, professionalism, and digital literacy

Connect individuals with employers, job fairs, workforce partners, and training programs

Support career advancement for individuals already employed who seek to grow professionally

Introduce entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic opportunity and self-employment

Prepare youth for the workforce through career exploration, mentoring, and internship opportunities

Strengthen the connection between workforce development and housing, financial, and family stability

Programs & Services

Potential Programs & Services

PCCDC seeks to offer the following services. Programs may include:

Job Readiness & Application Support

  • ›Resume development and updating
  • ›Cover-letter writing assistance
  • ›Interview preparation and practice
  • ›Job-search strategies and resources

Digital Literacy & Technology Skills

  • ›Digital literacy fundamentals
  • ›Computer skills and software basics
  • ›Online job-search and application tools
  • ›Workplace communication technologies

Professional Development & Advancement

  • ›Workplace communication and professionalism
  • ›Career coaching and goal-setting
  • ›Professional development workshops
  • ›Certification opportunity referrals

Employer Connections & Opportunities

  • ›Job fairs and employer connection events
  • ›Employer partnership development
  • ›Apprenticeship program referrals
  • ›Vocational training program referrals

Youth Workforce Development

  • ›Youth career exploration and exposure
  • ›Internship preparation and placement support
  • ›Summer employment opportunity referrals
  • ›Mentoring and professional-skills development

Entrepreneurship Education

  • ›Introductory business planning concepts
  • ›Customer service and business operations basics
  • ›Budgeting and financial management for small business
  • ›Referrals to qualified professional business resources

Youth Programs

Youth Career Development

PCCDC seeks to support young people in exploring career possibilities before they enter the workforce. Youth career development may include career exploration activities, mentoring relationships with working professionals, exposure to diverse industries and occupations, internship preparation, and summer employment opportunities.

By introducing young people to professional environments and workplace expectations early, PCCDC seeks to help youth develop the confidence, skills, and networks they will need to pursue meaningful careers. Programs may include workplace visits, career panels, job-shadowing opportunities, and professional-skills workshops tailored to young adults.

Economic Opportunity

Entrepreneurship & Economic Opportunity

For individuals interested in self-employment or small business ownership, PCCDC seeks to provide introductory education and resources that support entrepreneurial exploration. Programs may include foundational business planning, customer service principles, basic budgeting and financial management, marketing concepts, and business operations fundamentals.

PCCDC recognizes that entrepreneurship is a legitimate and valuable pathway to economic independence. Where specialized expertise is required, PCCDC seeks to connect individuals with qualified professional resources — including business development organizations, small business advisors, and community lending institutions — to support their entrepreneurial goals.

PCCDC THRIVES™ Framework

Connection to Other PCCDC Programs

Workforce development does not exist in isolation. Employment stability connects directly to housing affordability, financial empowerment, supportive housing, food security, and family stability. PCCDC's THRIVES™ framework is designed so that each pillar reinforces the others — helping individuals progress along a pathway from instability toward greater independence.

Outcomes

How Success May Be Measured

PCCDC seeks to track meaningful outcomes that reflect real progress for individuals and families. Potential measures of success for this pillar may include:

Training and workshop completion rates

Number of interviews obtained following job-readiness support

Employment placements and job-offer rates

Employment retention at 30, 60, and 90 days

Certifications and credentials earned

Internships and apprenticeships completed

Employer partnerships established

Educational program referrals and enrollments

The Pathway

The Workforce Development Pathway

1
Unemployment or Underemployment
2
Job Readiness
3
Skills Development
4
Employment
5
Advancement
6
Economic Independence

Get Involved

Careers & Service Opportunities

PCCDC welcomes individuals who want to contribute their time, talent, and expertise to workforce development efforts. Potential opportunities connected with this pillar may include the following roles.

Workforce Development Coordinator

DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITY

Coordinate workforce development programs, employer partnerships, and participant support services. PCCDC seeks to develop this role as programs expand.

Career Services Specialist

DEVELOPING OPPORTUNITY

Provide career counseling, job-search support, and employment readiness coaching to program participants. PCCDC seeks to develop this role as programs expand.

Workshop Facilitator

VOLUNTEER

Lead workshops on resume writing, interview skills, digital literacy, or professional development. Volunteers with relevant professional experience are welcome.

Employment Resource Volunteer

VOLUNTEER

Assist individuals with job-search activities, application support, and employment resource navigation. No specialized credentials required.

Community Ambassador

VOLUNTEER

Represent PCCDC in the community, share information about workforce programs, and connect individuals with available resources and services.

Student Intern

INTERNSHIP

Students pursuing degrees in social work, human services, business, education, or related fields may apply for internship opportunities with PCCDC's workforce development programs.

Professional Mentor

VOLUNTEER

Working professionals who want to share career guidance, industry knowledge, and professional networks with individuals seeking employment or career advancement.

Employer Partnership Volunteer

PROFESSIONAL / PRO BONO

HR professionals, business owners, and hiring managers interested in connecting with PCCDC participants through job fairs, mock interviews, or employment opportunities.

NOT CURRENTLY HIRING — PCCDC is a developing nonprofit organization. Roles labeled "Developing Opportunity" or "Future Opportunity" are not currently open positions. Volunteer, internship, and pro bono opportunities may be available. Contact PCCDC for current availability.

Prime Concepts Community Development Corporation

Connect With PCCDC's Workforce Development Programs

Whether you are seeking workforce development assistance, want to volunteer your professional expertise, or are interested in partnering with PCCDC to expand employment opportunities in Hampton Roads, we welcome your engagement.

IRS-Recognized 501(c)(3) Public Charity