Goochland eyes high school-to-Eli Lilly jobs pipeline
Goochland students could one day graduate from high school and head straight into jobs at Eli Lilly's new $5 billion pharmaceutical plant. Why it matters: As Virginia works to turn billions in pharmaceutical investments into jobs for residents, Goochland wants local students to have a shot at the 650 permanent positions Lilly plans to create. State of play: Goochland County Administrator Jeremy Raley told Axios in a sit-down interview Thursday that officials have discussed creating direct hiring pathways with Lilly and local K-12 partners. Lilly has expressed support for the idea, Raley said, though specific classes and hiring commitments remain unclear. A company spokesperson didn't immediately respond to Axios' request for confirmation, but Lilly has pledged to develop local career pathways with schools. Catch up quick: Lilly broke ground on the Goochland facility last month, where it plans to hire engineers, scientists, operations workers and lab technicians, per a release. It's also separately committed $40 million toward a workforce training initiative, including a Goochland training center planned for 2028 — ahead of the plant's operations beginning in 2030. The intrigue: Raley envisions introducing students to pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing careers as early as kindergarten. Goochland already has an advanced manufacturing,
Goochland County, VA · 8d
