Virginia Peninsula Community College and the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (HRWC) are unveiling a new funding opportunity for local employers during National Apprenticeship Week, which is April 26 – May 2.
Through the Hampton Roads Regional Apprenticeship Hub at the HRWC, employers can now apply for incentive funding to support the development and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs. Funded by $6 million from the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America grant, this initiative is designed to reduce the cost and complexity of starting apprenticeship programs. Employers can receive up to $30,000 in reimbursement funding to help offset the upfront costs and risks of building apprenticeship programs.
“Employers know their workforce needs better than anyone,” said Jamarkis Mitchell, Director of the Hampton Roads Regional Apprenticeship Hub. “This incentive funding empowers them to take action — designing training programs that work for their business while creating strong career pathways in our region.”
Eligible employers may receive support for:
- Apprenticeship program design and startup
- Related technical instruction (RTI) and classroom training
- Curriculum development
- Instructor “train-the-trainer” costs
- Training supplies tied to apprenticeship programs
This funding creates an opportunity for businesses across key industries, including advanced manufacturing, maritime, healthcare, IT, and emerging sectors, to build a skilled workforce pipeline tailored to their needs.
“Starting an apprenticeship program may seem complex, but it doesn’t have to be,” said Todd Estes, Vice President of Workforce Development and Innovation at VPCC. “VPCC can provide some or all of the related technical instruction and serve as an intermediary partner, helping employers navigate the process from concept through completion.”
To help employers take the next step, VPCC will host a virtual information session titled “Apprenticeships: What Employers Need to Know.” It will be held at noon, Friday, May 1, over Zoom. The session will explain how apprenticeships work, walk employers through the funding opportunity, and outline the steps to get started.
To register, go to Apprenticeship: What Employers Need to Know – Virginia Peninsula Community College.
As a regional apprenticeship intermediary, VPCC provides no-cost guidance to employers at every stage of program development.
“Employers often tell us they need skilled workers but aren’t sure where to begin,” said Kim Phillips, VPCC’s Apprenticeship Coordinator. “We encourage employers to reach out and start the conversation. VPCC is here to guide you every step of the way, from exploring all work-based learning options to launching a registered apprenticeship program.”
Employers are encouraged to attend the session and explore how this funding can support their workforce goals.
For more information on the program, contact Phillips at VPCC at phillipsk@vpcc.edu or (757) 825-3808.
