December 2025 Apprenticeship Council Meeting Agenda

RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Works today announced the launch of a new component of the Virginia Has Jobs skills hub during the Career Redesign Studio event in northern Virginia. The event, which drew over 200 registrants looking to explore their future career paths, featured two highly interactive sessions introducing participants to human-centered design concepts and how they apply to career navigation. Attendees also received access to additional tools for further exploration, including VirginiaHasJobs.com/careerskills – a resource designed to help Virginians develop essential human skills for today’s rapidly evolving job market.

“The future of work demands more than technical expertise – it requires adaptability, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills,” said Nicole Overley, Commissioner of Virginia Works. “We’re committed to developing accessible resources across our Skills Hub and helping Virginians develop the human skills employers consistently identify as critical for success.”

Introducing VirginiaHasJobs.com/careerskills
This newly launched component of the Virginia Has Jobs skills hub includes a curated collection of resources focused on three key areas:

• Adaptability Skills – Building flexibility and resilience to navigate career transitions and workplace changes
• Life Skills – Developing essential competencies for professional and personal success
• Human Skills – Strengthening communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence

Through interactive sessions and thought-provoking discussions, the Career Redesign Studio centered on career evolution in an age of rapid technological and economic change. Attendees engaged in hands-on activities exploring personal strengths and transferable skills, while hearing from guest speakers including Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater and Director of the Department of Human Resource Management Janet Lawson. Multiple local and community organizations were on hand to share resources, and attendees were able to receive free professional headshots. Due to the overwhelming interest in this type of support, additional Career Redesign sessions are being planned.

Virginia Works connects people to careers and employers to skilled talent through integrated workforce development services. The agency provides comprehensive career resources, training connections, and employment services to help Virginians thrive in the modern economy. For more information about Virginia Works and our full range of workforce services, please visit www.virginiaworks.gov.

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RICHMOND, VA – Virginia Works today released its 2024-2025 Apprenticeship Council Annual Report, showcasing unprecedented growth in the Commonwealth’s Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program and reinforcing Virginia’s position as a national leader in workforce development.

The report reveals that Virginia now supports over 15,000 active apprentices, representing a 42% increase since 2022. This milestone reflects the Commonwealth’s strategic commitment to expanding earn-while-you-learn opportunities across diverse industries.

“This has been a transformative year for Virginia’s apprenticeship system,” said Nicole Overley, Commissioner of Virginia Works and Secretary of the Virginia Apprenticeship Council. “The numbers demonstrate that strategic investment, policy innovation, and collaborative partnerships can deliver real results for apprentices, employers, and communities across the Commonwealth.”

Key Highlights:

• 212 new programs added – ranking Virginia first among State Apprenticeship Agencies
• First in the nation for total number of registered programs and sponsors
• $6.8 million in additional tax revenue generated in fiscal year 2023, representing a 3-to-1 return on investment
• 27 intermediaries, up from four in 2022 (a 575% increase)
• $6 million federal grant awarded for teacher and principal apprenticeships in partnership with the Virginia Department of Education

The report also details significant policy advancements, including new frameworks for pre-apprenticeship programs, credit for prior experience, and interstate reciprocity agreements, positioning Virginia’s apprenticeship system for sustainable, quality-focused growth.

Virginia Works’ innovative Apprenticeship Accelerator and the federally supported HIRED Fund continue to provide employers with resources and financial incentives to launch and expand apprenticeship programs in high-demand industries.

The 2024-2025 Apprenticeship Council Annual Report is available online at www.virginiaworks.gov/newsroom.

For more information about Virginia Works and our full range of programs and workforce services, please visit virginiaworks.gov.  

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RICHMOND — Virginia Works today announced funding for a comprehensive Rapid Response project designed to support federal employees and contractors and others experiencing career transitions in Northern Virginia. The initiative, led by Virginia Career Works Northern Region in partnership with SkillSource Group, will provide critical reemployment services, career navigation, and targeted training opportunities to help displaced workers rapidly reenter the workforce.

“When workers face unexpected job loss, Virginia Works responds with immediate, comprehensive support,” said Nicole Overley, Commissioner of Virginia Works. “This Rapid Response initiative demonstrates our commitment to helping displaced Virginians transition quickly into new career opportunities while simultaneously supporting regional employers facing talent needs.”

Secretary of Labor G. Bryan Slater emphasized the Commonwealth’s commitment to supporting displaced workers. “Virginia’s talent is our greatest asset, and we will continue to ensure that all Virginians have access to the resources and support they need to find their next opportunity. This Rapid Response initiative exemplifies how state and regional partners can work together swiftly to turn workforce challenges into new career pathways.” SkillSource Group was previously the recipient of a $43,750 quarterly salary donation from Governor Glenn Youngkin earlier in 2025 in support of its workforce development and job readiness programs in northern Virginia.

“The Virginia Works Rapid Response grant award is a critically important new funding resource for the provision of workforce and employment services to hundreds of former Federal workers and contractors in the Northern Virginia region,” said David Hunn, the Executive Director of the Virginia Career Works Northern Region. Hunn noted that his “goal is to do everything feasible to retain this jobseeker, and his or her family, to continue working in the Northern Virginia region.”

The program offers a full suite of services including:

• Dedicated case management with specialized Rapid Response WIOA Case Managers providing one-on-one coaching
• Career and skills assessments to identify transferable skills and high-demand occupations
• Training and certification programs in priority sectors including IT, cybersecurity, healthcare, project management, and business administration
• Work-based learning opportunities including on-the-job training (OJT) and paid internships
• Job search assistance including résumé development, LinkedIn profile optimization, and interview preparation
• Free LinkedIn Learning licenses providing access to thousands of online training programs
• Supportive services such as transportation assistance, professional attire, and financial counseling

A dedicated Business Engagement Manager will connect displaced workers with regional employers, coordinate hiring events and job fairs, and work to prevent future layoffs through workforce planning support. This position will serve as a critical bridge between skilled workers seeking new opportunities and employers across key industries seeking talent.

Virginia Career Works Northern Region is partnering with multiple organizations to maximize impact, including:

• Fairfax County Department of Family Services
• Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
• Northern Virginia Community College
• Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• Greater Washington Partnership
• Regional employers

Impacted workers are encouraged to visit their local Virginia Career Works center to begin receiving services immediately. The Virginia Career Works Northern Region serves the counties of Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William and the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park and closely collaborate with their counterparts in Arlington County and the city of Alexandria.

Virginia Works connects people to careers and employers to skilled talent through integrated workforce development services. The agency’s Rapid Response team provides immediate assistance to workers and employers facing workforce transitions, helping to minimize economic disruption and accelerate reemployment. For more information about Virginia Works and our full range of workforce services, please visit www.virginiaworks.gov.  

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