On November 19th, 2025, Onward NRV facilitated the second iteration of NRV Talent Tours program in Pulaski County where thirteen Pulaski County High School students visited two key employers in the county, Tekni-Plex and Mar-Bal, Inc. Students in grades 9th through 12th were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the operations of these businesses while learning about career pathways available in the advanced manufacturing industry. These industry tours offered students a chance to connect classroom learning with real-world job skills and potential opportunities after graduation.
“The trip was fun, educational, and provided the students with potential job opportunities in manufacturing after high school,” said Chris Sklar, Jobs for Virginia Graduates Specialist.
NRV Talent Tours was created to provide early career exploration opportunities for high school students by partnering with regional businesses in targeted industries such as Advanced Manufacturing, Information Technology, Uncrewed Systems, and Food Processing & Agribusiness. The program is designed to help students discover their interests and strengths, better understand the skills and education needed for various career paths, and explore full-time employment opportunities in Virginia’s New River Valley. By engaging with industry professionals and observing real-world applications of technical knowledge, students gain valuable insight into potential future careers.
This successful program, facilitated by Onward New River Valley in collaboration with Pulaski County High School and Pulaski County, builds on the NRV Talent Tours pilot program that took place in the spring of 2025. As part of Onward NRV’s strategic goal to attract and retain talent in Virginia’s New River Valley, the program fosters a talent pipeline to support long-term workforce needs by connecting students to local industries.
Discover more about Onward NRV’s initiatives here.