Virginia is making a major investment in its workforce with $6.2 million in new state funding aimed at training workers for high-demand careers in technology, skilled trades, aviation, and emerging industries. This initiative, announced by Governor Glenn Youngkin, is part of the Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia) grant program and will support 10 workforce and economic development projects across the Commonwealth.
Where the Funding is Headed
The grants will be distributed across multiple regions in Virginia, including:
- Northern Virginia
- Central Virginia
- Hampton Roads
- Southwest and Southern Virginia
- The Roanoke and New River Valley regions
State officials say the funding will help expand job training pipelines, support small businesses, and strengthen regional economies. The projects are expected to leverage an additional $4 million in outside investment.
Targeted Career Fields
The funding prioritizes training for a wide range of in-demand careers:
- Skilled trades including electrical, HVAC, carpentry, plumbing, and industrial maintenance
- Technology and AI-related fields
- Aviation maintenance
- Advanced manufacturing
- Life and health sciences
- Entrepreneurship and small business development
Northern Virginia Focus
Several grants specifically impact Northern Virginia, with projects aimed at:
- Training workers for high-demand tech roles
- Supporting life sciences and digital health careers
- Helping job seekers adapt to changing federal hiring practices
- Expanding employer-connected training and internship opportunities
State officials say these efforts are designed to keep Northern Virginia competitive in a rapidly changing job market.
Why This Matters
Virginia leaders say the funding addresses workforce shortages while helping residents access higher-paying, in-demand jobs — often without requiring a traditional four-year degree. Some programs will introduce students to career pathways as early as middle school, while others focus on career switchers and adult workers.
Program Impact
Since 2022, the GO Virginia program has supported:
- The creation or expansion of more than 2,000 businesses
- The generation of 25,000 jobs
- Training programs that have served tens of thousands of Virginians
The funded projects will roll out over the coming months, with additional updates expected as programs expand and accept participants. A full list of funded projects is available through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
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