Grants expand Hampton Roads apprenticeships

With a $6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor, the Hampton Roads Workforce Development Council is offering local employers up to $30,000 to offset the costs of developing and expanding apprenticeship programs.

Eligible, registered apprenticeship programs must combine full-time paid jobs with on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Funding can be used for apprenticeship program design and startup, technical instruction and classroom or online training, curriculum development and training supplies.

The incentive targets businesses across key industry sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, healthcare and information technology, to develop a skilled workforce customized to meet their needs, says Shawn Avery, the workforce council’s president and CEO. “There used to be a stigma surrounding apprenticeships due to the amount of paperwork and the process to set them up. Now, there are more resources available to help employers design and promote apprenticeships.”

While traditional training programs are classroom- or lab-based, apprenticeships emphasize on-the-job training and mentoring. “They build relationships between employers and employees and increase retention rates,” Avery adds.

The workforce council works with Hampton Roads educational institutions, including Virginia Peninsula Community College, Tidewater Community College, Paul D. Camp Community College, Mid-Atlantic Academy of Skilled Trades, The Apprentice School and Old Dominion University to expand access to apprenticeships.

Most employers are familiar with the concept of apprenticeships but don’t know where to begin in developing their own program, says Kimberly Phillips, work-based learning and apprenticeship coordinator for VPCC. The college helps employers navigate the process of applying for the grant money and customizing apprenticeships to their needs. “Apprenticeships help employers plan their labor pool for the next two, four, 10 years and keep a steady supply of qualified employees coming into their business.”

Phillips adds that there is a large gap in available positions and qualified applicants. “This is another incentive to help seal that gap.”

Black Brand, an organization dedicated to growing and promoting Black businesses in Hampton Roads, is using its grant to develop training through Tidewater Community College to help informal childcare providers become licensed family home daycare operators.

“Childcare is an area that historically has had no real investment to professionalize the industry,” says Black Brand Co-founder Blair Durham.

Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the funds are used. Upon submission, the workforce council will notify the applicant of a decision within two weeks.