The Hampton Roads Workforce Council recently received $11 million in federal funding for job training.
The news was announced during a ceremony on August 3. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration awarded the American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge grant to the Hampton Roads Workforce Council for the Hampton Roads Workforce Training System for Good Jobs. The grant will be used to build and train a pool of workers with a focus on the blue economy, clean energy, and related cybersecurity.
In addition, the funding will also help with training in coordination with local Historically Black Colleges and Universities to increase career opportunities for workers in maritime engineering and robotics.
“The Economic Development Administration works directly with communities to create locally-led economic development strategies,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo in a release. “The Hampton Roads Workforce Training System will partner with local employers to ensure blue economy and clean energy workers receive the skills needed to secure a good job.”
U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott, who represents Virginia’s 3rd congressional district, which includes sections of Hampton Roads, was instrumental in securing the grant for the region.
“For years, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council has been a leader in helping workers gain the basic skills they need for new jobs,” Scott said. “Now, through this $11 million investment, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council will be able to move beyond the currently available entry-level programs and provide students with the advanced skills they need to gain higher-paying, long-term careers.”