Workforce Development Study Identifies Opportunities to Strengthen County’s Talent Pipeline

The Board of County Supervisors recently saw the results of the 2025 Workforce Development Study, which analyzed the current workforce landscape and identified opportunities and strategic recommendations to help the county create jobs as well as attract and retain top talent as residents in the county.  

Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Economic Recovery Funds, the study was conducted by TIP Strategies on behalf of the county’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism, or PWCDEDT, and is intended to inform the strategic direction of the department’s new workforce program. 

Findings from the study identified three primary goals to align workforce development efforts with the county’s Strategic Plan goals of education, quality of life and smart growth. Recommendations emphasize expanding partnerships with educational providers to address current workforce demands, increasing awareness of career opportunities with new and existing businesses, and promoting business diversity to attract and retain residents and businesses alike. 

The study also highlights the importance of leveraging development to enhance high-quality amenities, supporting sustainable growth that considers infrastructure and natural resources, and identifying emerging industries to diversify the county’s commercial tax base and create quality jobs.       

Christina Winn, PWCDEDT Executive Director, said workforce readiness remains one of the most critical factors companies consider when selecting a new location.  

“That is top on the list,” Winn said. “As skills and demand for workforce has become even more competitive amongst companies, it has been more important to focus on workforce and economic development, which is laid out in the county’s Strategic Plan.” 

The study analyzed stakeholder input from community organizations, educational institutions, employers, businesses, Prince William County Public Schools, the Department of Social Services and the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, among others. Feedback from these groups helped identify employer relationships, training needs and workforce opportunities. 

Data from the study showed that while employment growth in Prince William County outpaces that of the surrounding region, the county continues to export labor. The analysis also found growing demand for technical skills and increased opportunities in middle-skill jobs—positions that typically require less than a four-year degree and support broader economic mobility. 

The report identified several core elements of successful workforce development, including workforce resiliency, local leadership, competitive talent, sustainable job growth and barrier reduction. Together, these strategies position Prince William County to better connect residents with local employment opportunities while supporting long-term economic resilience. 

“This study gives us a clear roadmap for how we connect people to opportunity and help businesses grow here in Prince William County,” said County Executive Chris Shorter. “By aligning workforce development with education, quality of life and smart growth, we’re building an economy that works for residents today and positions the community for long-term success.” 

To learn more about the Workforce Development Study, watch the presentation at pwcva.gov/department/board-county-supervisors/live-video-briefs-archives. 

To learn more about the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, visit pwcded.org.