Hampton Roads Workforce Council

Vacancies are abundant in the maritime trades and healthcare industries. For the regional economy to thrive, they must be filled. 

That’s why the Hampton Roads Workforce Council is so valuable. The Council provides strategic workforce development solutions by helping businesses access qualified workers and job seekers.  

“We’re focused on the talent right here,” says Shawn Avery, president and CEO. “We have to stay on top of what’s going on, and we do that by working with our partners like the Hampton Roads Alliance and the Chamber of Commerce.”  

As thousands of shipbuilding and healthcare jobs are the most critical needs facing southeastern Virginia, the Council recently launched two new training programs targeting both industries. Pathways to Shipbuilding offers training in maritime welding and electrical positions. Graduates earn a competitive wage, and the training period can be as short as six weeks. Healthcare Career Pathways upskills participants for roles in medical assisting and medical administration. 

The military transition program connects service members, veterans, and military spouses directly with employers. 

In addition, the Council has set up what Shawn calls a “new ecosystem type model called the Hampton Roads Maritime Training System.” The coordinated effort combines the resources of 36 training providers and schools throughout the region focused on filling more than 10,000 jobs in welding, pipefitting, ship fitting, outside machining, marine electrical, commercial driving, port logistics, and offshore wind. 

Shipbuilding jobs are a critical needs in southeastern Virginia and the Pathways to Shipbuilding program offers training designed for jobs in this industry.  

“We’re losing many individuals who have experience in those sectors, and we have a lot more work like that happening right here in Hampton Roads,” says Shawn, referring to a graying workforce entering retirement age. “Most of the people, especially in maritime, are getting hired before they complete training.” 

Nursing faces a shortage as do other healthcare professions. “Making sure we’ve got the other allied health positions in mind, the techs, for example, is important so we don’t have those gaps. People are going to need more healthcare as the baby boomer generation continues to age,” Shawn says. 

The Council has evolved to ensure that K-12 students understand how attractive a future in these growing industries can be as an option to the traditional college route. “We’ve produced coloring books to elementary school students that show careers in the maritime industry,” Shawn says. High school students can earn college credits and industry credentials prior to graduation. 

Maritime training typically involves no student debt, either. Shawn notes that several programs at the community college levels that cover costs. 

Additionally, the Council supports two local veterans employment centers that focus on retaining veterans in the region. “We’re very closely tied to our military installations to try to get the veterans and their family members opportunities that are here.” 

The Council can also help small businesses find the talent they need, and in most cases, that assistance is free of charge. “Think of us as an extension of your human resources department,” Shawn says. 

In the 11 years Shawn has been CEO, the Council’s funding streams have diversified. “TowneBank has been one of our best partners since day one,” he says, “providing resources for unique programs that are meeting the needs of the community.” 

Shawn adds, “TowneBank has really been a good facilitator for us. They’ve really made a lot of connections for us. TowneBank is in the community, and they’re helping take care of the community.” The Council works closely with Dawn Provost, TowneBank senior vice president and private banker.  

For more information, visit TheWorkForceCouncil.org.

The Hampton Roads Maritime Training System combines the resources of dozens of training providers and schools to improve efficiency and hiring.