Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a significant rise in the number of Virginians earning industry-recognized licenses and certifications鈥攁 10% year-over-year increase across the Commonwealth and nearly double the application volume handled a decade ago. 91影视 (CVCC) is proud to be a key contributor to this progress, helping to address Virginia鈥檚 growing demand for middle-skill workers.
鈥淧rograms like CDL, Welding, Nursing, and IT at CVCC are preparing more students than ever with the credentials and hands-on skills they need to launch high-paying, in-demand careers across Central Virginia,鈥 said Dr. John Capps, CVCC president. 鈥淭his local success reflects a broader statewide effort to close the talent gap and fuel economic growth across Virginia.鈥
Local Impact by the Numbers
- CVCC helped 1,168 students earn industry-recognized licenses in FY25, supporting key skilled trades industries.
- CVCC鈥檚 programs, such as HVAC and welding, have seen an 8% increase in enrollment.
- Many graduates have seen increased earnings within a year of completion鈥攅lectrical students experienced wage growth of up to 119%.
- These efforts directly support the Virginia鈥檚 Community Colleges System鈥檚 (VCCS) goal of awarding 300,000 credentials by 2030, as part of its 鈥淎ccelerate Opportunity鈥 strategic plan.
Meeting Virginia鈥檚 Talent Needs
The increase in licensures is especially critical as Virginia鈥攁nd the nation鈥攇rapples with a shortage of workers for 鈥渕iddle-skill鈥 jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree. A Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce shows these roles鈥攅specially in healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and IT鈥攁re in high demand but undersupplied.
CVCC is helping close that gap by expanding access to affordable, short-term credential programs and partnering with local employers to ensure training aligns with job market needs.
Partnering for Regional Success
Working alongside industry partners such as BWX Technologies, Delta Star, and Framatome, CVCC provides hands-on training and work-based learning that connects students directly to job opportunities in Central Virginia.