Virginia Looks to Trade Schools to Fill Skills Gap

Bipartisan legislation aims to standardize quality non-degree programs for in-demand careers.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring repeated images of a welder's torch, a construction hard hat, and a set of pliers, conceptually representing the diverse skilled trades that are in high demand in Virginia.Skilled trade jobs are experiencing a renaissance, offering in-demand skills and stable career paths for Virginia's workforce.Newport News Today

Virginia is enhancing workforce training by standardizing quality non-degree programs for careers in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing and other trades. Bipartisan legislation creates a state-backed accreditation process focused on aligning training with industry needs and ensuring consistent standards and accountability. This effort aims to close the skills gap and promote job growth in the state, particularly in high-demand sectors like shipbuilding.

Why it matters

Nearly half of Virginia's jobs require post-secondary skills, but the pathways are unclear and lack oversight. As employers increasingly value demonstrated abilities over degrees, Virginia needs policies to identify and standardize quality non-degree training to meet workforce demands, especially for small businesses struggling to recruit qualified personnel.

The details

The legislation, supported by Democratic Del. Jessica Anderson, Republican Sen. Danny Diggs, and the Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, creates a state-backed accreditation process for trade schools like the Virginia Technical Academy (VTA). VTA's Department of Labor-certified programs have graduated over 1,500 individuals since 2020, achieving high job placement rates through competency-based, industry-aligned instruction. Trade schools offer expedited, cost-effective pathways to rewarding careers, serving a vital function in addressing labor shortages.

  • Since 2020, VTA's programs have graduated over 1,500 individuals.
  • The bipartisan legislation was recently introduced.

The players

Jessica Anderson

Democratic Delegate who supports the bipartisan legislation.

Danny Diggs

Republican Senator who supports the bipartisan legislation.

Virginia Peninsula Chamber of Commerce

Supports the bipartisan legislation to standardize quality non-degree training programs.

Virginia Technical Academy (VTA)

A trade school that delivers targeted, practical training aligned with labor market needs, achieving high job placement rates.

Harry Moser

Founder of the Reshoring Initiative, who supports increased government funding for technical skills training.

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What they’re saying

“I'd say that the skilled trades, in general, are on the verge of a renaissance, and that young people, in general, will be the primary beneficiaries.”

— Mike Rowe, CEO of the Mike Rowe Works Foundation

“Emphasizing vocational education, alongside traditional degree programs, can help close the skills gap and promote job growth in the United States.”

— Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative

What’s next

The bipartisan legislation is currently under consideration by the Virginia legislature, and if passed, it will establish a state-backed accreditation process for trade schools to ensure consistent standards and alignment with industry needs.

The takeaway

By standardizing quality non-degree training programs, Virginia is taking a proactive approach to addressing its skilled labor shortage and providing pathways to rewarding careers, particularly in high-demand sectors like construction, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing.