Virginia receives $1.6M to expand apprenticeship opportunities

Virginia recently earned $1.6 million in grant funding from the federal Department of Labor to expand its apprenticeship efforts.

The Registered Apprenticeship Program, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry, works with employers to ensure that on-the-job learning experiences and related technical instruction provide the necessary real-world skills that workers need to be successful. Through partnerships with approximately 2,200 employers, the program serves roughly 12,000 Virginia-based apprentices in fields ranging from computer programming to the building trades.

“While Virginia’s low unemployment rate and positive economic growth are a point of pride, we know that many employers are having difficulty finding the talent they need to remain competitive in a global economy,” said Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam. “Registered apprenticeships allow workers to gain in-demand skills training and education while also providing businesses with highly-qualified, work- ready employees. This funding will support our ongoing efforts to grow Virginia’s diverse and talented workforce and greatly expand apprenticeship opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.”

The goals of this three-year grant include:
• adding 800 additional apprentices in high-demand areas;
• incentivizing new businesses through extra support and resources;
• integrating the workforce development strategy into talent development activities in state communities, the K-12 system, and higher education.

With high labor shortages in fields like healthcare and technology, the grant will allow state officials to work with businesses to examine ways to incorporate registered apprenticeships in all career pathways. It not only will support businesses but will give many Virginians the opportunity to earn a paycheck while learning 21st century skills, state officials said.

“The Commonwealth is already a national leader in the Registered Apprenticeship space,” said Chief Workforce Development Advisor Megan Healy. “This grant will allow us to build on that success and cement our status as the best place to do business.”

Since its establishment in 1938, the Virginia Registered Apprenticeship Program has provided a path to employment for workers statewide.