Virginia continues to prioritize workforce development and education with recent legislative measures aimed at supporting job readiness, career education, and economic mobility. Here’s a summary of key initiatives:
Workforce Development for Incarcerated Individuals
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HB 1759 ensures that the Department of Corrections collaborates with Virginia Works and other workforce partners to provide post-release job search assistance.
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HB 2158 enhances literacy education in correctional facilities and establishes the Virginia Prison Education Task Force to improve prison education and reentry support.
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HB 2221 mandates that individuals released from state facilities receive essential identification documents, facilitating smoother transitions into the workforce.
Career & Technical Education (CTE) Advancements
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HB 2018 provides flexibility for initial licensure requirements for career and technical education teachers, aiming to address workforce shortages in skilled trades.
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HB 2454 & SB 784 revise Virginia’s Three “E” Readiness Framework to incentivize work-based learning experiences of at least 90 hours, ensuring students gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce.
Workforce and Economic Development Investments
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$6 Million for Employer-Focused Initiatives through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) to enhance employer engagement and expand internship opportunities via the Virginia Has Jobs platform.
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$500,000 for Opportunity Scholars to expand programming in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia, supporting underrepresented young adults in achieving economic mobility.
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$500,000 for Goodwill Industries’ Diplomas for All Program, helping adults earn high school diplomas and workforce credentials.
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$500,000 for the Hampton Roads Workforce Council to establish the Regional Healthcare Talent Pipeline program, addressing critical workforce needs in healthcare.
Support for Working Families and Students
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$25 Million Employee Child Care Assistance Pilot Program to support working families with child care costs, ensuring affordability for those earning below 85% of the state median income.
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$900,000 for AP, IB, and Cambridge Assessment Exam Fee Reductions to expand access for lower-income students.
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Unemployment Insurance Wage Data Enhancement project to improve labor market analysis and evaluate the effectiveness of workforce training programs.
Virginia’s continued investment in workforce readiness, education, and job accessibility highlights a strong commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunities for residents across the state.