ABOUT | Frederick County Economic Development Authority

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Frederick County has operated the Career Pathways program for more than 20 years. What began as on-site industry tours for students in Winchester and Frederick County, has grown into a regional partnership of educators, business leaders, and community partners -- collaborating to create the workforce of tomorrow.

2000 - STUDENT INDUSTRY TOURS
Student industry tours were created in partnership with local school systems to offer an up-close view of careers in manufacturing. Through tours, students learn about advancements in modern manufacturing, how curriculum relates to real-world career opportunities, and the education/skill paths needed to enjoy a successful manufacturing career.
2001 - VIP INDUSTRY TOURS
The VIP Industry Tours were launched as a short-term initiative to showcase manufacturing operations to local, regional, and state leaders as important contributors to the economy, offering viable, well-paying careers in clean and technologically-advanced environments.
2004 - EDUCATOR TOURS
Educators began touring local businesses to better understand career opportunities available to students and the education and skills needed to pursue those careers. Tours offer educators a unique perspective, assisting them in advising students on the correlation between coursework and career opportunities in their community.
2015 - THE WIDGET CUP®
The Widget Cup was launched in 2015 to provide career and technical education students the opportunity to showcase their skills, similar to athletes at a sporting event. The Widget Cup competition is managed by the Frederick County EDA in partnership with local businesses and community leaders.
2015 - BUSINESS & EDUCATION SUMMIT
The B&E Summit was launched by the Frederick County EDA in 2015 to bring together business and education leaders to ensure effective communication. The Summit is now an integral part of The Workforce Initiative.
2015 - WORLDS OF WORK
Worlds of Work is a seven-region, hands-on career exploration event for eighth graders, serving the Virginia localities of Frederick, Clarke, Winchester, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, and Warren. Students interact with more than 70 businesses regionally in ten work worlds (industry sectors). Worlds of Work is managed by Laurel Ridge Community College Career Pathways Consortium, in partnership with Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission, Frederick County Economic Development Authority, Winchester Economic Development Authority, Clarke County Economic Development, Page County Economic Development, Shenandoah County Economic Development, and Warren County Economic Development.
2016 - THE WORKFORCE INITIATIVE
The Workforce Initiative was born from the B&E Summit: a partnership of business, education, government, and community stakeholders collaborating to ensure a well-prepared workforce. The Initiative engages more than 50 business and education representatives.
2018 - THE EMPLOYER EXPO
The Employer Expo is a regional in-person hiring event coordinated and operated by The Workforce Initiative. The event is held annually and includes employers actively hiring for positions, professional development workshops, and access to fast-track training providers. The Expo is open to the public free of charge.