Three GO Virginia grants to launch new training programs at community colleges

New GO Virginia grants will create training programs for careers in the welding, cybersecurity and the growing adult beverage industry.

GO Virginia, or the Growth and Opportunity for Virginia program, is a state initiative to encourage regional economic development.

The three grants include:

• $130,000 to establish a welding training facility at Rappahannock Community College. The college’s evening courses in welding at the Northern Neck Technical Center are at capacity. GO Virginia funds will be used to establish a day-time program at a satellite facility.
• $200,000 to implement a new cybersecurity workforce development program at Blue Ridge Community College. The project will aim to spur regional growth in the cybersecurity industry by implementing a self-paced, non-credit training course. It will produce new industry credentials – CompTIA Security+ — that currently are not offered in the region.
• $249,472 to create a program through Piedmont and Germanna community colleges to train candidates in wine and cider making, craft brewing and distilling. The funds will be used to establish two new training facilities and to develop the curriculum.