Governor Northam signs legislation strengthening Virginia’s Apprenticeship Programs

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam has signed House Bill 2020, sponsored by Delegate Matthew James, which requires the Virginia Community College System to develop and deliver uniform, related instruction for registered apprenticeships in high-demand programs for which coursework is not otherwise available. The Virginia Board of Workforce Development and the Virginia Employment Commission will determine what qualifies as a high-demand program. This instruction will be available statewide both online and in classroom settings.

“Apprenticeships can be instrumental in gaining the practical experience and developing the high-demand skills to be competitive in our 21st century workforce,” said Governor Northam. “However, there are businesses across our Commonwealth that want to take on apprentices, but are not located in a region of the state where the necessary coursework is available. This bill will ensure that all Virginians have access to the related instruction they need take to advantage of apprenticeship programs, regardless of where they live.”

“This legislation is an essential step forward in improving opportunities for apprentices,” said Chief Workforce Development Advisor Megan Healy. “Developing and offering related instruction will support ongoing efforts to strengthen our workforce by enabling apprenticeship programs to grow across the Commonwealth.”

“This bill is a way to expand opportunities for Virginians who need to earn a paycheck while developing skills to fill the labor shortage in high-demand areas,” said Delegate Matthew James. “This business and education partnership is crucial to grow Virginia’s economy.”

SUMMARY AS PASSED: (all summaries)
Virginia Community College System; certain registered apprenticeships; uniform instruction. Requires the Virginia Community College System, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Industry, to develop and deliver uniform, related instruction for registered apprenticeships in high-demand programs, as determined by the Virginia Board of Workforce Development and the Virginia Employment Commission, and for which coursework is not otherwise available. The bill requires such instruction to be available statewide and to be delivered in a face-to-face, online, or blended format.