Our highly trained workforce of over 230,000 is drawn from a excellent mix of job experiences across seven counties and five cities. Companies in Amherst County agree the workforce has strong work ethic and low absenteeism rates. Very low union activity combined with Virginia’s Right-To-Work law creates an ideal environment for businesses.

Here is a quick view of Amherst County’s workforce.

Labor knows no boundaries. Workers in the region commute long distances for good jobs.

Extended Labor Market

Within Amherst County’s extended labor market is the Lynchburg Region, a 2,000 square mile area composed of the City of Lynchburg; the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell; and the towns of Altavista, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Brookneal. For the Lynchburg Region labor market information go to Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance»

For additional detailed labor information on Amherst County, go to the Virginia Employment Commission community profile.

Postsecondary Education in the Amherst Region: Essential Workforce Development

Collectively, more than 800 engineering students graduate from the institutions on our map each year. And just two hours away is Virginia Tech, offering still more resources for research and talent.

Other nearby institutions include James Madison University in Harrisonburg (about 90 minutes’ drive) and Mary Baldwin University in Staunton (about an hour away).

Area Educational Institutions

	American National University	Career-oriented Associate, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degree programs in business, IT, and medical pathways.	104 Candlewood Ct, Lynchburg, VA 24502
	Byers Technical Institute	Located just outside the western border of Amherst County in the town of Buena Vista, BTI specializes in pipe/mechanical welding instruction.	2694 Glasgow Highway, Buena Vista, Virginia 24416
	Centra College of Nursing	Centra College of Nursing is committed to providing excellent care to individuals, families, and patients in the community through the development of professional nurses.	905 Lakeside Dr A, Lynchburg, VA 24501
	Central Virginia Community College	Many courses are geared toward technical studies/certifications, with options to adapt content to employers’ needs.	3506 Wards Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24502
	Hampden-Sydney College	Founded in 1775, this men’s college today combines a liberal arts education with a respected career center.	80 College Rd, Hampden Sydney, VA 23943
	Liberty University	Hosts 14,000 students on campus, with 17 colleges & schools, including engineering and osteopathic medicine.	1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA 24515
	Longwood University	Longwood offers more than 100 programs of undergraduate study, as well as MBA and other graduate degrees.	201 High St, Farmville, VA 23909
	Randolph College	This liberal arts college also makes its summer online courses available to the general public.	2500 Rivermont Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24503
	Southern Virginia University	A small, faith-based college built upon the liberal arts education model with an emphasis on job placement.	1 University Hill Dr, Buena Vista, VA 24416
	Sweet Briar	A college for women, boasting an accredited engineering program (mechanical, electrical & environmental).	134 Chapel Road, Sweet Briar, VA 24595
	University of Lynchburg	Among its resources: a College of Business, a College of Health Sciences, and Westover Honors College.	1501 Lakeside Dr, Lynchburg, VA 24501
	University of Virginia	Just 50 miles from our county, this renowned institution provides convenient access to business & engineering studies.	Charlottesville, VA
	Virginia Military Institute	This historic school maintains degree programs in civil, computer, environmental, electrical and mechanical engineering.	319 Letcher Ave, Lexington, VA 24450
	Virginia Technical Institute	Hands-on, tailored career training in project management, electrical, welding, plumbing, HVAC and more.	201 Ogden Rd, Altavista, VA 24517
	Virginia University of Lynchburg	An institution originally begun in 1886 by the Va. Baptist State Convention.	2058 Garfield Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24501
	Washington & Lee	This school’s Physics and Engineering Department supports undergrad and graduate studies in multiple fields.	204 W Washington St, Lexington, VA 24450