Skip To Main Content

Apprenticeships & Workforce Training

Apprenticeships & Workforce Development Programs

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction to prepare workers for highly-skilled careers.  Workers benefit from apprenticeships by receiving a skills-based education that prepares them for good-paying jobs. Apprenticeship programs help employers recruit, build, and retain a highly-skilled workforce.

Virginia Peninsula Community College Apprenticeships – Virginia Peninsul Community College (VPCC) has partnered with employers around the Peninsula to provide a variety of apprenticeship programs in various industries. VPCC works with and prepares Virginia Peninsula students to connect with employers on the Peninsula currently accepting applications for Apprenticeships. 

Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School – The Apprentice School at Newport News Shipbuilding offers four-, five-, and eight-year apprenticeships in nineteen shipbuilding disciplines and eight advanced programs of study.  The Apprentice School is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education and registered with the Virginia Apprenticeship Council and offers apprentices the opportunity to earn college credit, receive competitive pay and benefits, and learn a trade.

New Horizons Center for Apprenticeship and Adult Training –  The Center for Apprenticeship and Adult Training provides apprenticeship related instruction for the VA Community College System and works closely with the Department of Labor.  It serves as an affordable and valuable post-secondary educational resource that connects adult technical training to the current and future economic needs of—and workforce development on—the Virginia Peninsula and provides productive life-enhancing skills. 

BAE Systems Apprenticeship – BAE Systems designs, manufactures, and supports complex surface ships.  Their apprenticeship program in Norfolk, VA provides the opportunity for apprentices to become master craftspeople in a shipyard and future leaders in the maritime industry.  Their apprentices gain the necessary tools to succeed during the apprenticeship program and after they leave it by providing the training and skills in four years that would otherwise take a new employee nearly 20 years to obtain. 

Carter Meyers Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program - Carter Myers Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Program has a three-stage automotive apprenticeship program.  The program allows up to 24 months to complete basic training and graduate to a full-time technician position in their shop. 

Workforce Development Programs

Workforce development programs are training programs that provide existing and potential workers with the skills to complete tasks needed by employers to let the organization stay competitive in a global marketplace.

Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing - The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is designed to quickly train qualified candidates in essential manufacturing skills and trades to establish a steady and sustainable flow of qualified workers for the naval shipbuilding and repair sector of the submarine industrial base (SIB).

Build Submarines - The Navy is on a once-in-a-generation journey to completely transform its nuclear-powered submarine fleet and maintain its critical undersea advantage requiring the addition of more than 100,000 skilled workers with the training and commitment to ensure success.  Explore career paths in additive manufacturing, CNC machining, metrology, non-destructive testing, and welding.

Virginia Maritime Association - The Maritime Career Guide offers useful information and valuable insights into the various aspects of the maritime supply chain industry. We encourage school counselors and educators to share with their students the abundance of career opportunities within the maritime sector. As students embark on the journey of choosing their career paths, empowering them with information about maritime careers can be instrumental in shaping their futures.

Virginia Peninsula Community College Workforce Development Programs – The Virginia Peninsula Community College Workforce Development Program provides quality training specifically designed to meet the changing technical requirements for today’s jobs.  The program includes accelerated workforce training, certification programs, and online classes.  Often, these programs can be completed in as little as a few weeks or months, depending on the program.

  • Manufacturing and Construction Trades - Quickly gain national certification and credentials in Broadband Fiber Optics, HVAC, Trades Electrician, Facilities Maintenance, Computer Numerical Controlled (CNC) Machining, and Welding. OSHA-10 and OSHA-30 certification is also available.
  • Cybersecurity & Technology - From certificate attainment to degree alignment, there are many options to get the training you need to advance your career in cyber security and computer technology.
  • Healthcare Programs – Earning your certificate is the first step to finding a rewarding career in the medical field!  Programs include Hands-on Caregiver Class, Medication Aide, Healthcare Information Technology Office Specialist, Nurse-Aid, Pharmacy Technician and Personal Fitness Trainer.
  • Transportation and Licensing - Virginia Peninsula Workforce Development can help you hit the road with the training you need to receive a commercial driver's license and a motorcycle license. 

This list is for general informational purposes only.  Appearance on this list does not constitute an endorsement and descriptions are not exhaustive.