May 6, 2026
RICHMOND, VA — Virginia Works announced today the selection of 39 employers and industry partners to receive a total of $262,500 in grants to bring on new apprentices and/or launch new apprenticeship programs through the latest round of the HIRED (Highlight, Include, Recruit, Engage, Deliver) Apprenticeship Fund.
These awards will support the launch or expansion of Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs in high-demand industries across Virginia.
The newly selected grantees, highlighted below, will utilize their funding to support on-the-job training, related technical instruction, and approved supportive services. Funds will help employers strengthen talent pipelines, increase access to high-quality training, and create new pathways into skilled careers for Virginians.
- Calfee Center
- U-Launch: Childhood Development Homes
- Jupiter Learning Academy – Spotsylvania
- Giles County Administration
- Bisbee Honda of Danville
- Glitz & Glamour Boutique
- Key Electric Services, Inc.
- Jupiter Learning Academy – Locust Grove
- Trend Salon LLC
- NorrisBuilt Fabrication & Mobile Welding
- Real Performance Machinery, LLC
- Dominion Traditional Building Group
- The Bright Early Education Consultant & Training Group
- Virtual Peace of Mind
- Armes Precision
- Tidewater Electrical Industry-JATC
- Manifest in You Consulting
- Plumlogix Inc
- LoK Fashion Institute
- Lee Construction Group
- Kosmo Machine, Inc
- Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
- Ultra Lighting LLC
- CRHA
- Winchester Equipment Co
- Performance Food Group
- Xquizite Minkz & Beauty LLC
- Chesapeake Controls
- I-A-Electric LLC
- Supastrip Inc
- FUMC Wesleyan Preschool
- Bella Hair Studios LLC
- Versus Hair Studio
- FARRR Foundation Inc DBA The Lighthouse
- ERRT Services LLC
- Gateway Hyundai
- Colonial Cars
- Colonial Imports Inc
- Grounds Maintenance Consulting and Training Service
The HIRED Fund prioritizes industries experiencing rapid growth and critical workforce needs, including:
- Education
- Information Technology
- Care Economy
- Service Trades
- Manufacturing
- Maintenance and Repair
This round of funding places special emphasis on expanding apprenticeship access for underserved populations such as women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, dislocated workers, and youth ages 18 to 24. Employers located in rural communities received priority consideration during the review process.
“As one of our most effective strategies for building a strong workforce and a resilient economy, Registered Apprenticeship is the gold standard of work-based learning,” said Virginia’s Secretary of Labor Jessica Looman. “This investment reflects our commitment to creating pathways to good jobs while helping employers meet essential workforce needs in high-demand industries. By investing in quality Registered Apprenticeship programs, we are not only supporting businesses but also empowering workers, especially those in rural and underserved communities, to gain the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.”
“We are very excited for the impact that this third round of Virginia’s HIRED Fund will have for Registered Apprenticeship sponsors and apprentices here in the Commonwealth,” said Commissioner of Virginia Works, Nicole Overley. “We know that employer sponsors are investing in their people and their talent pipeline when they start or grow a Registered Apprenticeship program, and this funding supports and encourages those investments to be made.”
This round of HIRED funding is made possible through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, as part of Virginia’s State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) Grant.
For more information about Virginia Works’ Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program, or to contact a RA Consultant near you, visit: https://virginiaworks.gov/explore-registered-apprenticeship/.
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PDF of Press Release 
