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Inside IALRAuthor: Institute for Advanced Learning and Research
Inside IALR explores the ways that the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) catalyzes economic transformation. Listen for a behind-the-scenes view of how our programs, people and partnerships are impacting Southern Virginia and beyond. Host Caleb Ayers and Producer Daniel Dalton interview someone new every episode, introducing listeners to IALR leaders and partners, promoting programs and highlighting opportunities to connect with us. New episodes are published every other Monday. Language: en-us Genres: Government, Science Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Living Wages by the Numbers: What 15,000 Job Postings Reveal
Monday, 9 February, 2026
What does it really take for families in Southern Virginia to make a living — no extras, just the basics? And are those jobs actually available?In this data-rich episode, host Caleb Ayers talks with Jessie Vernon, Director of Employer Engagement and Experiential Learning at IALR, and economist Colin Emberland from Chmura Analytics. Together, they break down the Southern Virginia Living Wage and Job Availability Study, comparing today’s landscape to a similar 2016–2017 analysis.They explore the region’s growing share of higher-wage jobs, a major and urgent gap in healthcare, the evolving role of manufacturing, and how many families can actually meet a living wage with the jobs currently posted. You’ll also hear why education and training pipelines matter, how job quality is just as important as job quantity, and what this all means for employers, educators and residents across GO Virginia Region 3. The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation in Southern Virginia. Our services, programs and offerings are diverse, impactful and far reaching. Get updates from IALR on other channels: Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Email Newsletter News Stories









