Workforce Innovation Skills Hub Set To Open At Hybla Valley Community Center

HYBLA VALLEY, VA — The new workforce training and development program is preparing to launch at the Hybla Valley Community Center.

The Workforce Innovation Skills Hub is a key component of the new community center, which held its ribbon cutting in May at 7950 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria, VA. The Workforce Innovation Skills Hub is designed to prepare Route 1 corridor residents for more kinds of job opportunities, particularly in-demand technology jobs.

The effort was spearheaded by Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, who introduced the workforce training initiative as a board matter in 2020. The board matter seeks to help the Route 1 corridor, which has fallen behind the region's rap office development and job creation.

"The Workforce Innovation Skills Hub (W.I.S.H.), housed in the new community center, will provide residents with training in the building trades and in-demand technology jobs," said Lusk via a previous news release. "Once residents complete their training, they can move into high paying careers that will help move them into the middle class."

The grand opening of the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub will happen Saturday, Oct. 8 from 12 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Those who attend can learn about the free job training offered through the center, skilled trade jobs residents can pursue and guaranteed employment upon completion of the program.

Melwood, a nonprofit providing job and life skill training, was selected by Fairfax County government to assist with the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub. Classes are scheduled to begin on Oct. 17.

Other family activities planned for the grand opening include food trucks, a balloon artist, drones, a moon bounce and face painting.

The Hybla Valley Community Center is the former location of the Mount Vernon Athletic Club, which Fairfax County purchased in May 2020. The county purchased the property with the intent of establishing a multi-service center on the west side of Route 1 in the Buckman Road area. Along with the workforce training program, the center offers a multipurpose room, meeting room space, a podcasting and music studio, gyms, fitness area, technology center, sensory room, indoor and outdoor lounge space and a garden. Community center hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday.