April 2, 2026
RICHMOND – Virginia Works, the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, announces the launch of the Request for Application (RFA) process for the Virginia Maritime & Nuclear Workforce Accelerator, a competitive, employer-driven workforce training initiative supporting maritime, nuclear energy, and aligned manufacturing industries.
Through this initiative, eligible employers may receive performance-based reimbursement of up to 80 percent of approved training costs, with a maximum reimbursement of $100,000 per employer, to support targeted workforce training.
Employers in maritime, nuclear energy, or related manufacturing sectors, including supply chain partners, are encouraged to apply. Eligible training may include short-term credential programs, customized or modular training, Registered Apprenticeships, and employer-led on-the-job 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. Selected 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.
“The Virginia Maritime & Nuclear Accelerator creates opportunities for Virginia Works to support employer needs in these critical industries for the Commonwealth and strengthen our support for Virginians’ pathways to high-wage, high-quality careers,” said Nicole Overley, Commissioner of Virginia Works. “This program is an important and innovative step forward towards these pathways, and we value the engagement and support of our partners who have worked with us to design this program and help us build truly responsive sector strategies for maritime, nuclear energy, and manufacturing.”
Applications must be submitted through the Commonwealth’s eVA procurement system through May 20, 2026. Employers can learn more about the program and access application information at: https://virginiaworks.gov/maritime-nuclear. Virginia Works will provide technical assistance to support applicants, including webinars, guidance materials, and a question-and-answer period during the application window.
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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 sources.
PDF of Press Release 