Workforce & Demographics

Southside Virginia is home to a skilled, dedicated labor force. The area’s excellent transportation network means that commute times are low – even over long distances – and traffic congestion is virtually non-existent. Employers can expect to attract workers from approximately a 60-mile radius. 79% of the Greensville County workforce live outside the jurisdiction and commute in for work. 85% of working residents commute outside of Greensville County to work. This pattern verifies the ease of travel in and out of Greensville County.

The location of Greensville County is between two major industry and population centers, namely Richmond, VA and Raleigh, NC and a 90 minute or less drive to the population center of Hampton Roads/Virginia Beach.

Education

The area’s workforce is well-educated, with 48% of the labor market having earned a high school diploma or higher and 21.5% possessing a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The Southside Virginia Education Center (SVEC), located in Greensville County, provides customized training programs that meet the needs of business and industry. Pre-employment training, specialized training, and computer training programs are offered by SVCC and are designed to prepare employees with skills required by industry.

SVEC is home to three skills labs that offer certifications in:

  • Precision Machinery
  • Industrial maintenance
  • Welding

Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) offers academic, technical, vocational, and continuing adult education in Greensville County and the surrounding communities. The College is tasked with workforce development training in the region.

There are a number of two- and four-year colleges and universities in the region, offering a wide variety of Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral programs. Courses of study range from Accounting to Zoology and include everything in between.

Institution

Location

Approximate Enrollment

Hampden-Sydney College Farmville, VA 1,046
Richard Bland College Petersburg, VA 2,487
Longwood University Farmville, VA 4,470
Virginia State University Petersburg, VA 4,302
Southside Virginia Community College 8 locations throughout Southside Virginia 6,893
Old Dominion University Norfolk, VA 24,375
Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, VA 31,060