Tidewater Community College Leads Hampton Roads Workforce Development

TCC president Marcia Conston outlines the college's collaborative approach to training the region's workers for in-demand jobs.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Tidewater Community College (TCC) is a leader in workforce development solutions for the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. As the second-largest community college in the state, TCC partners with local industries, municipalities, and other educational institutions to anticipate and meet employer demands through innovative training programs, mobile training labs, and regional collaborations. TCC's tailored workforce programs have led to significant wage increases and employment rates for graduates, with the majority remaining in Virginia.

Why it matters

Hampton Roads is home to a diverse economy spanning military, maritime, healthcare, technology, and other key industries. By aligning talent, training, and labor-market demand, TCC is playing a vital role in building the skilled workforce needed to support the region's continued growth and economic prosperity.

The details

TCC offers in-demand certifications, credentials, and associate degrees through four campuses and six learning centers. The college's 32,000-square-foot Skilled Trades Academy provides hands-on training in fields like welding, HVAC, and heavy equipment operation. TCC also deploys mobile training labs to bring workforce education directly to neighborhoods and employer sites. Through regional partnerships, TCC collaborates with other community colleges to deliver training across Hampton Roads, serving hundreds of students at over 10 locations.

  • TCC has been a leader in workforce development in Hampton Roads for years.
  • By mid-2025, the Hampton Roads Maritime Training System, powered by TCC and partners, had delivered nearly 6,000 trained workers to meet regional demand.
  • TCC is poised to grow its role as a regional apprenticeship leader with state and national influence.

The players

Tidewater Community College

A community college serving as a leader in workforce development solutions for the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

Marcia Conston

The president of Tidewater Community College.

Hampton Roads Workforce Council

A regional organization that partners with TCC and others to deliver collaborative training across Hampton Roads.

Virginia Peninsula Community College

A community college that partners with TCC through the Community College Workforce Cooperative to deliver training across the region.

Camp Community College

A community college that partners with TCC through the Community College Workforce Cooperative to deliver training across the region.

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What they’re saying

“TCC's proven workforce model provides a collaborative framework to improve student outcomes and expand local Hampton Roads talent pipelines at scale.”

— Marcia Conston, President, Tidewater Community College (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

TCC is poised to grow its role as a regional apprenticeship leader with state and national influence, continuing to partner with local industries and other educational institutions to meet workforce demands.

The takeaway

By aligning talent, training, and labor-market demand through innovative partnerships and programs, Tidewater Community College is establishing itself as a vital solution for building the skilled workforce needed to support Hampton Roads' diverse and growing economy.