Virginia: DOL provides $5m funds to Virginia colleges for DC construction careers

The US Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded community colleges in Virginia $5 million in funding in an attempt to bridge the data center skills gap as a part of its Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs grant program. 

Seven of Virginia's community colleges will be using this grant which will be directed towards data center construction careers, helping the colleges create training programs and work-based learning opportunities in the state.

Dr. David Doré, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) said, “Our colleges are poised to deliver the kind of 21st-century education Virginians need to secure gainful employment in today’s high-demand industries. And with the state focused on growing its economy and our emphasis on helping to fill the workforce gap, this funding will go a long way.”

Associate vice chancellor for Career Education and Workforce Programs, Randy Stamper added, “The workers trained in these technologies will be employed by the businesses that build data centers, and their skills will travel to other similar projects when other projects arise.”