January 16, 2026
RICHMOND — On Friday, Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – announced the launch of the Maritime & Nuclear Workforce Accelerator, a new employer-driven upskilling initiative designed to support workforce growth and retention in maritime, nuclear energy, and aligned manufacturing occupations and sectors. This initiative is designed to eligible employers with performance-based reimbursement of up to 80 percent of approved training costs for a maximum reimbursement of $100,000 per employer to support targeted training.
Funded via the Governor’s set-aside Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I funds and administered by Virginia Works, the Virginia Maritime & Nuclear Workforce Accelerator uses a phased approach and begins with a structured employer needs assessment. Employers will work with Virginia Works and strategic partners such as the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, the Central Virginia Workforce Development Board, the Virginia Manufacturers’ Association, the Virginia Department of Energy, and the Virginia Community College System to design and then implement training programs, such as short-term credential programs, customized or modular training, Registered Apprenticeships, and employer-led on-the-job training. Performance-based reimbursement will be tied to training completion and six-month job retention.
Employer engagement is currently underway, and employers are encouraged to submit an interest form via the website https://virginiaworks.gov/maritime-nuclear-accelerator/
“The Virginia Maritime & Nuclear Accelerator will allow us to engage employers in essential industries throughout the Commonwealth to truly understand and be responsive to their ongoing needs for upskilling,” said Nicole Overley, Commissioner of Virginia Works. “This program positions us to better serve Virginians – whether they are employers or employees – in strengthening opportunities for success.”
Virginia Works is the Commonwealth’s state workforce agency and leads statewide efforts to align workforce development with economic growth and employer demand. Through partnerships with workforce development boards, training providers, and industry stakeholders, Virginia Works supports employers and workers by expanding access to high-quality training and career pathways in priority industries across the Commonwealth.
###
Virginia Works, the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, is dedicated to serving both job seekers and employers with a wide range of workforce services and talent pipeline strategies. Virginia Works is an equal opportunity employer. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. VRC/TDD VA Relay 711.
Virginia Works is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – Employment and Training Administration (ETA) through the use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) (Award FAIN #24A55AT000085, 24A55AW000090, 24A55AY000108, 25A55AW000121) totaling $49,692,478. The dollar amount of Federal funds for this project equal $2,000,000, which constitutes 100 percent of the project cost. Zero costs and zero percent of this project were financed by non-governmental source.
PDF of Press Release 
