Northam introduces $30M workforce training program

For those whose employment has been impacted by the pandemic, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Friday that he is directing $30 million in federal CARES Act funding to workforce training programs in high-demand fields. 

The Re-Employing Virginians (REV) initiative will provide scholarships for people to enroll in a workforce or community college program in the health care, information technology, skilled trades, public safety and early childhood education industries. Those who are eligible will receive $3,000 or $1,500 scholarships to enroll in full-time or part-time training programs, respectively.

“Virginians who have been furloughed, had hours reduced or lost a job because of the pandemic are struggling and wondering what the future holds,” Northam said in a statement. “Investing in programs that help people develop skills in high-demand fields is a win for workers, employers and our economy. As we focus on recovering from the impacts of the global pandemic, the new REV initiative will give Virginians the resources they need to get back on their feet and help ensure that our commonwealth emerges from this public health crisis even stronger than we were before.”

As Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia together have reported nearly 50% of all initial and continuing unemployment claims, the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads Local Workforce Development Areas will administer the CARES Act funding for the program. Of the funding, $27 million will be allocated to VCCS for statewide programs and the remaining $3 million will go to local workforce development programs.   

“Even with high unemployment rates, many employers are still struggling to find the talent they need in critical sectors,” Chief Workforce Development Adviser Megan Healy said in a statement. “The REV scholarships will help close the skills gap between the jobs open and the Virginians in search of a new career path.”

Eligible individuals must contact their local community college as soon as possible to apply before Dec. 14. 

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