Workforce Needs Assessment Survey

The Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Workforce Development Committee is conducting this survey to better understand the workforce needs of our local industries. Your feedback will help us develop programs, partnerships, training opportunities, and resources that directly support your business.

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Company Information

If Other, please list:

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Workforce Challenges

What are your organization's biggest workforce challenges?

(Check all that apply.)

Finding qualified applicants
Employee retention
Employee attendance
Skills gaps
Leadership development
High turnover
Aging workforce
Recruiting entry-level employees
Recruiting skilled trades
Recruiting supervisors/managers
Wage competition
Transportation barriers
Childcare challenges affecting employees
Other ______________________

If Other, please list:

Which positions are currently the most difficult to fill?

(Open response)

Approximately how many positions do you anticipate hiring over the next 12 months?

What skills are most lacking in today's workforce?

(Check all that apply.)

Communication
Reliability
Attendance
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Mechanical aptitude
Computer skills
Technical skills
Leadership
Critical thinking
Other ____________

If Other, please list:

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Training & Workforce Development

Does your company currently provide employee training?

Yes
No

What types of training would benefit your workforce?

(Check all that apply.)

Leadership Development
Supervisor Training
OSHA/Safety
Lean Manufacturing
Soft Skills
Customer Service
Technical Skills
Industrial Maintenance
Welding
PLC/Automation
Quality Systems
HR Compliance
Conflict Resolution
Spanish in the Workplace
Other __________________

If Other, please list:

Would your company participate in Chamber-sponsored workforce training if offered locally?

Yes
No

Would you be interested in customized training designed specifically for your company?

Yes
No

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Apprenticeships & Education Partnerships

Would your company be interested in:

(Check all that apply.)

Registered Apprenticeship Programs
Youth Apprenticeships
High School Internships
College Internships
Job Shadowing
Classroom Speakers
Career Fairs
Teacher Externships
None at this time

Would your company be willing to partner with local schools to develop future talent?

Yes
No
Workforce Funding

Are you aware that workforce grants and funding opportunities may be available to help offset training costs?

Yes
No

Would you like assistance identifying funding opportunities for:

(Check all that apply.)

Employee Training
Apprenticeships
Incumbent Worker Training
Equipment Grants
Hiring Incentives
Re-entry Hiring Programs
Veterans Programs
Disability Hiring Programs
None

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Chamber Workforce Services

Which Chamber workforce services would be valuable to your business?

(Check all that apply.)

Recruiting assistance
Workforce Roundtables
HR Networking
Workforce Data & Labor Market Information
Leadership Development Programs
Customized Training
Grant Assistance
Apprenticeship Development
Workforce Consulting
Connections to State Workforce Programs
Re-entry Workforce Programs
Student Career Connections
Employer Best Practices
Other ___________________

If Other, please list:

What workforce topic would you most like the Chamber to address over the next year?

(Open response)

Would you attend quarterly Workforce Roundtable meetings with other local employers?

Yes
No

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Final Thoughts

If the Chamber could solve ONE workforce issue for your company, what would it be?

(Open response)

Please share any additional comments or suggestions.

(Open response)