Area Development ranks Virginia No. 1 for workforce training

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Virginia Talent Accelerator Program has been ranked the top workforce training program in the nation by Area Development magazine.

Area Development is an executive magazine that has been covering corporate site selection and relocation since 1965. Its 15th annual Top States for Doing Business report was based on results from a survey of expert consultants advising companies on site location.

The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program (VTAP) is a workforce initiative that accelerates new facility startups by providing fully customized recruitment and training services. The program services, meant to incentivize job creation, are provided at no cost to qualified new and expanding companies.

Area Development says Virginia’s workforce training program was followed by Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and North Carolina, which it said were “all states with well-regarded, state-supported programs that align closely with employer needs.”

Virginia ranked seventh overall in the 2025 Top States for Doing Business report, up two spots from its ranking the previous year.

“Virginia doesn’t follow, we lead, and our Virginia Talent Accelerator Program is leading the nation in workforce training,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin in a statement. “For many companies, this program is a major factor in choosing to invest in Virginia, because it provides tailored training that equips employees with the right skills from day one. More Virginians are stepping into the workforce and we’re making sure they are prepared to seize the incredible opportunities available in the commonwealth.”

The talent accelerator program’s latest recognition comes on the heels of also being ranked No. 1 in the nation in the annual Business Facilities Rankings Report for the third consecutive year.

“By collaborating directly with companies to provide fully tailored recruitment and training solutions, we give employers the certainty to grow and thrive in every region of the commonwealth,” said VEDP President and CEO Jason El Koubi in a statement. “Area Development’s acknowledgement of the Talent Accelerator affirms the program’s impact and showcases the dedication of our team to making Virginia the premier destination for business.”

Launched in 2019, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program was created by the VEDP in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System. Since its launch, it has helped secure more than 17,000 jobs across the state.