Virginia Works is the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. We connect people to careers and employers to skilled talent.

Virginia's nation-leading workforce ecosystem will equip Virginians with the skills they need and enables employers to attract, grow, and retain them ensuring the future of a thriving Commonwealth. In parallel with the stand up of Virginia Works, we will accelerate the coordination, enhancement, and future readiness of the Commonwealth's many workforce programs and stakeholders across the government and broader ecosystem

The following guiding principles define Virginia Works’ contributions to the workforce ecosystem over the years to come. Virginia Works will:

• Provide world-class, omnichannel service delivery to both employers and individuals


• Build active, resilient partnerships at the state and local level


• Build the highest-performing client service organization


• Implement effective and responsive sector-focused talent strategies


• Build a nation-leading workforce tech stack & data capabilities that allow us to see progress both in real time and over time

• We will be prepared to do our work every day with a positive attitude.


• We will be proactive in looking for solutions and opportunities to improve.


• We will be responsive in meeting our customers where they are and helping them get where they want to go.


• We will be coordinated, collaborative and communicative with partners and stakeholders.


• We will be accountable in serving customers effectively, efficiently, and with integrity.

In 2023, the Virginia General Assembly approved (HB 2195/SB1470) to reorganize the Commonwealth's workforce development programs. The bill created the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (Virginia Works) to serve as administrator and fiscal agent for the Commonwealth's workforce development programs. The bill consolidated statewide workforce program evaluation and data sharing under the Department and provides protections against improper disclosure of data. Virginia Works became fully operational on July 1, 2024. Virginia Works' current role is as an Executive Branch agency whose powers and mandates are set forth in Title 2.2, Chapter 20.2 of the Code of Virginia.

Program Year 2024 marked a transformative milestone for Virginia's workforce system with the full operational launch of Virginia Works, the Commonwealth's new Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. As the Commonwealth's unified workforce agency, Virginia Works has consolidated 11 programs into a single, streamlined entity, aligning service delivery, data systems, and strategic leadership under one mission: We connect people to careers and employers to skilled talent.

Virginia Works delivers services directly to individuals and employers across the Commonwealth and serves in a coordinating and guiding role across the Commonwealth's many workforce programs and stakeholders. Virginia Works leads the vision for workforce development in the Commonwealth.

Future Direction, Expectations, and Priorities:

Virginia's workforce ecosystem-its programs, services, and people-is undergoing significant transformation in response to global, national, and local shifts in industries, jobs, and labor markets. Rapid technological advancements are reshaping the nature of work, the workplace, and the skills employers need. At the same time, labor shortages are prompting employers to rethink recruitment, retention, and training strategies. Workers and job seekers are increasingly seeking opportunities to reskill or upskill to remain competitive and secure meaningful, family-sustaining employment in our vibrant Commonwealth.

and the creation of Virginia Works through landmark legislation marks a pivotal shift in how Virginia approaches workforce development. With a unified agency responsible for leading the vision for workforce development, our focus is now squarely on serving our dual customers: Virginia's employers and job seekers.

Over calendar year 2025, Virginia Works convened a dozen partner state agencies as well as the local workforce boards and other stakeholders – including educators, training providers, economic developers, program administrators, and local leaders to redefine how Virginia prepares its people for work and supports businesses in meeting their talent needs. Developed in alignment with the Commonwealth's economic development strategy, the resulting strategic plan operationalizes ambitious "moonshot" goals centered on talent development.

The agency’s goals, and the broader ecosystem goals,  emphasizes a comprehensive portfolio of services designed to support individuals and employers throughout their career or business lifecycle. These services-whether accessed through American Job Centers, community colleges, partner organizations, or virtual platforms-are delivered through a "no wrong door" approach, offering both self-service and personalized support options.

By 2030, we envision:

• #1 Most Future-Ready Talent: Virginia will have the most Al-ready, technologically equipped, and soft-skills-prepared workforce in the nation.


• #1 in Workforce Availability & Agility: Virginia will support seamless career transitions and workforce reentry through services that reduce barriers and rapidly reskill and upskill talent.


• #1 in Skills Match: Workforce programs will be tightly aligned with employer needs, focusing on high-demand occupations.


• #1 in Work-Based Learning: Every learner will have access to at least one high-quality work-based learning or career and technical education experience, with models like Registered Apprenticeships and internships doubling in prevalence from 2025 levels.

Current IT State: Virginia Works has made significant strides in modernizing its technology infrastructure and data capabilities to better serve the Commonwealth's workforce needs. As part of this transformation, the agency appointed its first Chief Information Officer and Chief Data Officer, and restructured the IT department to include a dedicated data science team-laying the foundation for a more agile, data-driven organization.

To enhance digital accessibility and user experience, Virginia Works has modernized entry points into its programs and the additional services provided by partners, in addition to modernized career exploration tools:

• VirginiaWorks.gov - the agency's modernized digital front door


• VirginiaHasJobs.com – an easy-to-access mobile-friendly launch pad to explore in-demand jobs by occupation and region


• Virginia Workforce Connection – the state’s official labor exchange platform  These platforms offer tools such as:


• A searchable apprenticeship program directory


• A federal workforce support hub for displaced workers


• A growing Skills Hub, which currently features upskilling resources on AI, data science, and career readiness, with more expansion content planned.

On the data front, Virginia Works completed a statewide data governance strategy through the Workforce Data Trust Council. This effort established cross-agency standards for data privacy, stewardship, security, and integration, ensuring responsible and consistent data management. Additionally, the agency launched a near-real-time Registered Apprenticeship dashboard, enhancing visibility into active apprenticeship participation across the state.

These advancements position Virginia Works to lead with technology and data as core enablers of its mission-supporting a more responsive, transparent, and future-ready workforce system.

Current Factors Impacting IT:, Virginia Works is navigating several challenges that impact its ability to fully execute its IT modernization goals. A key constraint is the limited size of the current IT team, which must balance competing priorities across infrastructure, data, cybersecurity, and digital service delivery. As the agency's technology footprint expands, there is a growing need to build out IT capacity with specialized roles to support system modernization, data integration, and user experience improvements. However, limited human resources and constrained funding continue to pose barriers to scaling efforts at the pace required. These challenges underscore the importance of strategic prioritization, cross-agency collaboration, and targeted investment to ensure Virginia Works can deliver secure, efficient, and future-ready technology solutions.

Proposed IT Solutions: Virginia Works is actively advancing its data and technology strategy to support a more integrated, efficient, and user-centered workforce system. As part of this effort, the agency is conducting a comprehensive data inventory across all programs. The findings will inform the development of a strategic data plan that ensures data is leveraged effectively to drive decision-making, performance tracking, and service delivery.

A key initiative underway is the transformation of the Commonwealth's Labor Market Information (LMI) dashboard, which will provide more timely, accessible, and actionable insights for job seekers, employers, and policymakers.

Looking ahead, Virginia Works is planning several major IT transformation projects, including:

• Development of an internal operations dashboard to enhance performance monitoring and operational transparency


• Front-end enhancements to both VirginiaWorks.gov and VirginiaHasJobs.com to improve user experience and accessibility


• Finalization of IT Asset Management and Consolidation to streamline infrastructure and reduce redundancy


• Modernization of legacy systems and case management platforms to improve service delivery, data integration, and user functionality

These proposed solutions are designed to create a more agile, data-informed, and digitally accessible workforce system that meets the evolving needs of Virginia's employers and job seekers.

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The Department is located at 2221 Edward Holland Drive, Suite #500 in Richmond. The Department also provides services through the Virginia Career Works Centers throughout the Commonwealth. All of these properties are managed/leased through the Department of General Services-Division of Real Estate Services.

As an agency 98% funded by federal grant support, the continued decrease in federal funding for agency programing is a significant risk to customer impact.

Virginia Works is funded by United States Department of Labor administrative grants and funding awarded by the Virginia General Assembly. The agency funding is 98% funded by federal grant support.

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Virginia Works is the Commonwealth's state workforce agency, serving as the central hub that connects job seekers with employers and coordinates workforce development efforts across Virginia. Our mission is simple and powerful: we connect people to careers and employers to skilled talent.

How We're Organized to Serve

Virginia Works operates through seven core functional areas, each designed to deliver high-impact. integrated workforce services:

1. Policy & Strategy
   
   We develop and implement workforce policies and strategies that respond to labor market trends and employer needs. Our work includes shaping sector strategies, aligning services to high-demand occupations, and advocating for system improvements.


2. Partnerships & Engagement
   
   We build strong relationships with employers. educational institutions, community organizations, and state agencies. These partnerships expand our reach and ensure our services are aligned with real-world workforce demands.


3. Service Delivery
   
   Our front-line teams provide direct services to job seekers and employers through American Job Centers (AJCs). mobile units. and virtual platforms. We ensure equitable access to services across all regions and populations.


4. Program & Grants Management
   
   We oversee the administration, compliance, and fiscal integrity of federal and state workforce programs. Our team ensures programs are integrated, consistent, and aligned with grant requirements while providing technical assistance to local partners.


5. Technology & Data
   
   We use data and digital tools to match job seekers with opportunities, monitor labor market trends, and evaluate program effectiveness. Platforms like the Virginia Workforce Connection and the Workforce Data Trust support informed decision-making.


6. Outcomes & Performance Management
   
   We track key performance indicators such as job placements. wage gains. and employer satisfaction. This data drives continuous improvement and accountability across the workforce system.


7. Learning & Development
   
   We invest in the professional growth of our staff and partners, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional service. Ongoing training keeps our teams aligned with evolving workforce trends and best practices.

Who We Serve

Virginia Works supports:

• Employers at every stage of the talent lifecycle-whether preparing, hiring, or upskilling their workforce.


• Individuals at all career stages-whether starting, switching, or restarting-by equipping them with the skills and support needed to succeed.

Programs We Administer

Virginia Works provides oversight and coordination for a portfolio of federal and state workforce programs, including:

• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIDA) Title I
  
  
  
  • Adult, Dislocated Worker, Youth, and Rapid Response Programs
  
  
  
  


• WIDA Title Ill - Wagner-Peyser Employment Services
  
  
  
  • Job matching, labor exchange, and reemployment services
  
  
  
  


• Registered Apprenticeship Program
  
  
  
  • Work-based learning that combines paid employment with classroom instruction
  
  
  
  


• Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA)
  
  
  
  • Targeted support for unemployment insurance claimants
  
  
  
  


• Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA)
  
  
  
  • Oversight of agricultural job orders and farm labor contractor registration
  
  
  
  


• Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) (currently under sunset provisions)
  
  
  
  • Support for workers displaced by foreign trade
  
  
  
  


• Jobs for Veterans Act
  
  
  
  • Priority of service for veterans in DOL-funded programs
  
  
  
  


• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)
  
  
  
  • Federal tax credit for employers hiring individuals from targeted groups
  
  
  
  

Our Approach: Integrated and Client-Centered

Virginia Works is structured as a collaborative "team of teams" that places the client-whether an employer or job seeker-at the center of everything we do. Our integrated service delivery model ensures that:

• Programs are not siloed but work in concert to meet client needs.


• Services are accessible, responsive, and tailored to local and regional labor markets.


• Continuous improvement is embedded in every process, from policy to performance.

Major Products and Services of Virginia Works

Expanding Registered Apprenticeship as a Workforce Strategy

Virginia Works has made the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship a strategic priority to prepare the current and future workforce for high-wage, high­ demand careers. In Program Year 2024, the Commonwealth saw significant growth in apprenticeship participation, with 4,508 job placements and 1,588 individuals on track to complete training credentials by FY 2026. This growth underscores Virginia's commitment to work-based learning models that integrate on-the-job training with related instruction, offering clear pathways to competitive wages and career advancement.

To broaden access, Virginia Works is actively promoting youth apprenticeship opportunities, enabling high school students to earn credentials and gain work experience while completing their education. These early-entry pathways support seamless transitions from secondary education to career employment. In collaboration with the Virginia Department of Education, community colleges, and industry partners, Virginia Works is expanding apprenticeship into emerging sectors beyond traditional trades.

The integration of Registered Apprenticeship administration within Virginia Works has strengthened alignment with other workforce programs. This structural shift enables streamlined referrals, co-enrollment, and coordinated support services-positioning apprenticeship as a core component of Virginia's workforce development strategy rather than a standalone initiative.

Delivering Workforce Services that Support Business Growth

In September 2024, Virginia launched Together for Talent, an employer-focused event in Richmond that brought together business leaders and workforce service providers to align workforce strategies with employer needs. This initiative reflects Virginia's commitment to employer-driven service delivery.

Virginia Works also began updating the Commonwealth's Business Solutions Guide, rebranding it as the Talent Solutions Guide with completion expected in the second quarter of PY 2025. This program-agnostic resource is designed from the employer's perspective, organizing services around the business cycle phases of "Hire, Develop, and Retain" to make the workforce system more accessible and relevant to employers.

Connecting Workers to American Job Centers (AJCs)

Virginia Works ensures that workers affected by layoffs are seamlessly connected to American Job Centers and co-enrolled in core and partner programs. The process begins with early coordination-AJCs receive immediate notification of layoffs, including worker demographics, timelines, and employer needs. Joint orientations, conducted on-site or virtually by Rapid Response and AJC staff, provide service overviews, QR codes, sign-up links, and contact cards for immediate access.

A shared intake process supports warm handoffs, with AJC appointments scheduled before Rapid Response events conclude. Follow-up systems track engagement, and within one week, participants receive personalized outreach about job fairs, training, and workshops. Industry-specific services, skills assessments, and community partnerships help address barriers such as childcare and transportation. Referral and engagement data are regularly reviewed to identify and share best practices across regions.

Supporting Employers and Affected Workers

Virginia Works offers confidential, no-cost services to employers, including layoff and transition planning, WARN Act compliance guidance, and customized transition plans. Joint information sessions with the Virginia Employment Commission and AJCs are available in flexible formats-virtual, in­ person, or hybrid. Layoff aversion support includes Shared Work program exploration, connections to hiring employers, and labor market data for future planning.

Affected workers receive immediate assistance with unemployment insurance, benefits guidance, and access to digital and printed resources. Career services include counseling, resume support, job search workshops, skills training, WIOA tuition assistance, and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. Warm handoffs ensure timely enrollment in AJC services, with access to assessments, career tools, and recruitment events. Supportive services include referrals for transportation, childcare, housing, and financial literacy, with ongoing follow-up to maintain engagement.

Implementing Layoff Aversion Strategies for Economic Resilience

Virginia Works employs proactive layoff aversion strategies, beginning with early employer engagement. Businesses are encouraged to contact the Rapid Response team at the first sign of operational changes. Business assessments identify root causes of disruption, and coordination with economic development and training partners enables rapid deployment of tailored solutions.

Retention and upskilling strategies include Incumbent Worker Training (IWT), cross-training, multi-skill development, and promotion of Registered Apprenticeship and On-the-Job Training (OJT). Through partnerships with Small Business Development Centers, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, and local chambers, employers receive support in exploring Shared Work programs, accessing grants, tax credits, and financial planning resources.

Increasing Awareness and Access to Workforce Resources

Virginia Works launched VirginiaHasJobs.com as a modern, public-facing platform for job seekers. Organized by "super-regions" that span multiple workforce development board areas, the site helps users find major employers, sector clusters, training providers, and internships. During the program year, Virginia Has Jobs hosted nine regional digital hiring events, engaging 169 businesses and over 3,000 job seekers-significantly increasing public visibility and access to workforce services.

Reducing Barriers Through Dynamic Collaboration

Virginia Works is leveraging centralized metric tracking to evaluate collaboration across workforce programs and identify operational barriers. In April 2025, the agency launched Referrals Are Awesome Day (RAAD)-an ongoing initiative that brings together local and state program experts to improve co­ enrollment and joint service delivery. RAAD represents a systematic effort to reduce administrative friction and enhance the customer experience across Virginia's workforce ecosystem.

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By 2030, we envision that: Virginia has the most AI-ready, emerging technology-equipped, and durable (soft) skills prepared workforce in the country.

Embed artificial intelligence into Virginia Works’ job search and career coaching tools and services

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Launch the skills hub of Virginia Has Jobs to increase exposure to learning & upskilling opportunities on AI, data science, human skills, and more

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Implement mobile service delivery systems

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Host AI-focused business education events to help small businesses understand and adopt AI technologies.

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By 2030, we envision that: Virginia enables smooth career pivots and workforce reentry for individuals via a suite of services that reduce barriers and rapidly reskill & upskill talent to fit industry needs.

Lead in convening the Commonwealth’s workforce ecosystem, cataloging programs, and building an engaged best practices network

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Employment support for justice impacted individuals through Opportunity Advocate

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Launch Workforce Innovation Lab with explicit goal of state-local collaborative pilot projects

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Implement omnichannel client experience – digital, in-person, hybrid - including redesign of American Job Centers' (AJCs’) service delivery models (hours, staffing, mobile access, surge support)

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Create and disseminate relevant, timely, and actionable career navigation content for individuals

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Operate a Veteran’s Portal to support transitioning service members into training and employment.

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By 2030, we envision that: Virginia’s workforce demonstrates alignment with employer needs through a focus on high-demand occupations across all educational & workforce programs.

Establish quantitative and qualitative mechanisms for continuous employer needs assessment & “market scanning”

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Refresh and digitize the Business Services Guide and approach to present a unified, holistic view of business services

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Track & forecast workforce supply / demand and program outcomes
Cross Partner Collaboration

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Design and implement industry communities of practice (COPs)

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Reimagine Layoff Aversion services to provide talent concierge services to employers

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By 2030, we envision that: All learners have at least one quality work-based learning or career/technical ed experience. Prevalence of work-based learning models across the career journey (like Registered Apprenticeships & internships) double from 2025 as baseline.

Launch employer-focused Commonwealth-wide effort around work-based learning (experiential learning) Cross Partner Collaboration

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Design and implement career pathways and work-based learning internal talent programs (i.e. RA) – “practice what we preach”

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Formalize Virginia Talent Network as collaborative group of state partners led by VW, VEDP and Chamber that showcases talent solutions to employers

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Align education and training with employer/industry needs to strengthen talent development

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Expand Registered Apprenticeship Program through accelerator program for healthcare and childcare and by increasing number of RA Intermediaries

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Virginia Works: Connecting Talent and Opportunity Across the Commonwealth

Virginia Works is the Commonwealth’s workforce development agency, serving as the central hub that connects job seekers with employers and coordinates workforce programs across Virginia. Whether individuals are starting, switching, or advancing their careers—or employers are seeking to hire, train, or retain skilled talent—Virginia Works offers a wide range of services to support workforce success.

Services for Virginians Seeking Employment

Virginia Works delivers employment services through the Wagner-Peyser Act, offering universal access to job search assistance, résumé and interview support, labor market information, and referrals to training and support services. These services are available through a statewide network of American Job Centers (AJCs) and the Virginia Workforce Connection (VaWC), an online platform for job matching, résumé building, and career exploration.

For Virginians seeking structured, paid training, the Registered Apprenticeship program offers a “learn while you earn” model that combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apprentices gain industry-recognized credentials and valuable work experience in high-demand fields.

Under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I, Virginia Works provides oversight to Virginia’s 14 Local Workforce Development Boards that locally provide individualized career coaching, training, and support services for adults, dislocated workers, and youth. These services help Virginians overcome employment barriers, gain new skills, and secure meaningful employment. Dislocated workers—those affected by layoffs or business closures—can also access Rapid Response services, which provide immediate support, unemployment insurance guidance, and connections to reemployment resources.

Veterans and eligible spouses receive priority of service across all federally funded programs. Through the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG), specialized staff provide individualized career services and employer outreach to help veterans transition successfully into civilian careers.

Workers impacted by foreign trade may qualify for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, which offers training and reemployment services. Career Navigators help connect eligible individuals to Trade staff for further support.

The Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program supports unemployment insurance claimants by providing career services, job search assistance, and follow-up support to help Virginians return to work quickly.

Virginia Works also supports agricultural and seasonal workers through the Foreign Labor Certification program, which ensures fair access to job opportunities and provides outreach to migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Career Navigators assist with job referrals and ensure applicants are informed of job conditions and rights.

Finally, Virginians who face barriers to employment may benefit from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which incentivizes employers to hire individuals from targeted groups. Career Navigators help identify eligible individuals and connect them with employers participating in the program.

Services for Virginia Employers

Virginia Works is a strategic partner for businesses across the Commonwealth, offering a full suite of services to help employers attract, hire, train, and retain skilled workers. Through the Virginia Workforce Connection, employers can post job openings, search for qualified candidates, and access labor market data to inform hiring decisions.

Employers can also benefit from the Registered Apprenticeship program, which helps build a pipeline of skilled talent through customized, on-the-job training. Virginia Works supports employers in developing apprenticeship programs and identifying potential participants.

Rapid Response services assist businesses facing layoffs or closures by providing transition planning, layoff aversion strategies, and connections to economic development resources. Employers can also explore Shared Work programs and incumbent worker training to retain staff and avoid layoffs.

For agricultural and seasonal employers, Virginia Works administers the H-2A and H-2B Foreign Labor Certification programs, helping employers recruit temporary foreign workers when U.S. workers are not available. Staff assist with job order processing, compliance, and recruitment coordination.

Employers hiring individuals from targeted populations may qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), a federal tax incentive that supports inclusive hiring practices. Career Navigators help employers understand eligibility and navigate the application process.

Whether building a workforce, navigating a transition, or investing in training, Virginia Works is committed to helping Virginia’s employers grow and thrive.

The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Public Law 113-128), the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49) and Section 60.2 - 113 of the Code of Virginia authorize the establishment of and requirements for Virginia Works Job Placement Services. Workforce Services directly aligns with Virginia Works' mission of promoting economic growth and stability in the Commonwealth by providing job placement assistance and services. To accomplish the mission, staff is empowered and given opportunities to develop and enhance their skills, and innovative ways to use technology to enhance the delivery of services to employers and job seekers will be explored.

Description of Major Products and Services

Virginia Works provides employers and job seekers with access to workforce services that assist in both securing and retaining employment, and finding qualified workers to fill jobs.

Virginia Works provides job seekers with access to services designed to prepare them for job search, job advancement, and/or career change. Veterans of military service who are seeking employment receive priority of services.

Virginia Works provides Trade Program (currently under Sunset Provisions with the expectation for renewal in the months to come) participants and veterans with career services and Unemployment Insurance services; and referrals to services of other partner agencies in the One Stop system. Eligible Trade Program participants may receive training to develop in-demand employment skills.

Virginia Works conducts outreach to veterans for the purpose of locating candidates who could benefit from intensive services and markets these services to potential clients.

The Virginia Workforce Connection (VWC) is Virginia Work's online customer portal. Through the VWC, job seekers and employers enjoy a modern, integrated and efficient experience. Employers have access to the state’s largest pool of qualified workers, job seekers and business- related services to support their workforce and economic development needs. Job seekers may simultaneously apply for Unemployment Insurance benefits and register for jobseeker services, take self-assessments, and utilize the virtual recruiter tool to assist in finding employment opportunities.

For Job Seekers, VWC provides users with access to a comprehensive array of tools, including:

• Targeted and user-specified search of the most current and comprehensive job listings and postings available Career qualification assessment tools and training referrals


• Automated, personalized notification of new employment opportunities in real time

For Employers, VWC provides users with:

• The ability to post current job openings at their convenience, 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.


• The ability to search an expansive database of qualified candidates and review their active resumes.


• The ability to access the Daily Virtual Recruiter Candidate Resume Notification system, which allows an employer to be notified when new resumes have been created which meet their specific search criteria.

The Virginia Workforce Connection is accessible at Virginia Career Works Centers and via the Internet. All other Virginia Works sponsored web accessible information systems are available on the Virginia Works website.

The VWC also provides Labor Market Information (LMI) to a broad spectrum of users. Virginia Works provides a number of strategic business services through LMI. Virginia Works provides LMI as a product that is available to the general public, the Governor and other legislative customers, the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, Local Workforce Development Boards, state agencies, the United States Department of Labor (USDOL), and other governmental entities.

Virginia Works also provides Rapid Response services that promote economic recovery and vitality by developing an ongoing, comprehensive approach to identifying, planning for, responding to layoffs and dislocations, and preventing or minimizing their impacts on workers, businesses, and communities.

This funding supports the administration of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA) services that are provided by Virginia Works on behalf of Local Workforce Development Boards.

This service area aligns with Virginia Works' mission to support the development of a highly trained and well-equipped workforce to meet the needs of a changing economy. The federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (Public Law 113-128), the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49) and Section 60.2 - 113 of the Code of Virginia authorize the establishment of and requirements for Workforce Development Services. Workforce Development Services directly aligns with the mission of promoting economic growth and stability in the Commonwealth by providing job placement assistance and services.

The funding for this program supports Virginia Works' role as one of the managing partners of the Virginia Career Works Centers. As the managing partner, Virginia Works provides a meaningful role on Local Workforce Development Boards and assist with the management of workforce services operations, in conjunction with the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) who oversee One Stop Operators.

Economic Information & Analytics (EIA) is responsible for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of data relating to all aspects of the Commonwealth’s labor market. Units within the division provide administrative reporting services, research and analysis services, and management services to the agency and to the public.

The EIA Division is the official source of labor market information, census data, and economic information in Virginia. By providing comprehensive information and related analysis, we serve as a unique and valuable resource to employers, job seekers, economic developers, planners, consultants, economists, and government officials.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics is authorized to collect labor market information pursuant to 29 USC 1, an Act to Establish the Bureau of Labor. Section 14 of the Wagner-Peyser Act (29 USC 49L-1) authorizes the Secretary of Labor to reimburse the states to provide data for national statistical programs. Section 60.2 - 113 of the Code of Virginia provides the state level authorization for the establishment of and the requirements for VEC Economic Information & Analytics. This service area directly aligns with the VEC’s mission to promote economic growth and stability by providing workforce information.

Description of Major Products and Services

The Current Employment and Wages Statistics (CES) program surveys approximately 9,000 nonagricultural employers each month, collecting data on employment, hours, and earnings. This series offers a current estimate of employment by industry. The CES data series is widely used by businesses, government agencies, universities, trade associations, economists, and researchers to study economic conditions and to develop plans for the future. Researchers use the trends in the CES statistics as economic indicators.

The Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) programs produces estimates of labor force components for Virginia’s cities and counties and combinations, such as labor market areas and metropolitan areas. These estimates are produced monthly by place of residence and provide a snapshot of the total civilian labor force, the number employed, the number unemployed, and the unemployment rate. These estimates are a key indicator of local economic conditions and are used to determine the eligibility of an area of an area for benefits in various federal programs.

The Occupational Employment and Wages Statistics (OEWS) program collects staffing pattern data and wage information by occupation from private and public business establishments. The main purpose of the OES program is to produce employment and wage data for approximately 750 occupations in each of the eleven metropolitan statistical areas and four balance-of-state regions. Another important use of the staffing pattern data produced by the OES program is in the occupational employment projections.

The Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program is a comprehensive and accurate source of employment and wage data by industry at the state and city/ county levels. It provides a virtual census of nonagricultural employees and their wages. The data is taken directly from the quarterly unemployment tax reports filed by Virginia employers. The QCEW data series has broad economic significance in evaluating labor trends and major industries developments.

The Research and Analysis (R&A) unit conducts economic research, makes analyses, and develops publications, special studies, and press releases, on a variety of economic issues and topics. The unit also provides staff support to executive and legislative commissions, task forces, and study groups.

Virginia participates in the State Data Center (SDC) program, which is a federal-state cooperative initiative, designed to make economic and demographic information from the U.S. Bureau of Census more readily available.

EIA also assists with the Rapid Reemployment program, in conjunction with the Workforce Services Division and WIOA Rapid Response. The program focuses on quicker reemployment of laid off workers by identifying staffing patterns within and across industries to match affected workers with similar companies.

This service area is primarily funded by federal grants and the agency’s Special Unemployment Compensation Administration fund. 

This Service Area oversees Virginia's Registered Apprenticeship Program, implements the mandates and requirements of the Virginia Voluntary Apprenticeship law, and provides staff support for the Virginia Apprenticeship Council, which is the policy board responsible for adopting regulations for this program.

This Service Area directly aligns with the Department's mission by promoting the training of skilled workers to enhance the talent development efforts of the Commonwealth.

Programs include:

WIOA Adult - Provides job search and placement assistance as well as employment plans, counseling, and training and support services.

WIOA Dislocated Worker - Provides employment, training and support services for workers who are losing their jobs as a result of layoff or company closing.

WIOA Youth - Provides intensive services including employment plans, Counseling, training, and support services for youth aged 16-24.

WIOA Rapid Response (Layoff Aversion) - Provides businesses with employee hiring, staff restructuring and training support. Rapid Response is most noticeably front and center to Virginia’s workers when their place of employment is downsizing and a significant number of workers lose their jobs, but the program also helps firms avoid layoffs, especially through upskilling initiatives. Also provides timely and comprehensive Rapid Reemployment services to laid off workers who are the subject of WARN notices. The goal is to place workers in new jobs so that they can transition to new employment opportunities immediately in an effort to reduce the average duration of unemployment insurance compensation they may require.