Pathways to Shipbuilding (Virginia)

Pathways to Shipbuilding (Virginia) is a workforce development grant from Virginia Works, funded through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), that funds training programs building a skilled maritime workforce in Virginia's Hampton Roads region.

The program provides $150,000 to support youth and adult job seekers pursuing maritime welding and electrical careers, with partnerships involving foundations, community colleges, and shipyards. Virginia Works also offers a separate Maritime Nuclear Accelerator program reimbursing up to 80% of approved training costs (capped at $100,000 per employer) for businesses in maritime, nuclear, and aligned manufacturing sectors.

Applications for employer training reimbursement close May 20, 2026.

Virginia Works - Virginia's Workforce Development Agency Maritime Nuclear Accelerator – Virginia Works Virginia Works - Virginia's Workforce Development Agency Maritime Nuclear Accelerator – Virginia Works Important Note : Applications are ONLY accepted through the official Request for Applications (RFA) posting on eVA. Create an account today .

VIRGINIA MARITIME & NUCLEAR Targeted Assistance for our Valued Employers Supporting Virginia’s Maritime, Nuclear, and Aligned Manufacturing Workforce Reimbursement of up to 80% of approved training costs, capped at $100,000 per employer Now Accepting Applications! Apply by May 20, 2026 at 5:00PM Are you ready to strengthen your workforce and build sustainable talent pipelines in Virginia’s maritime, nuclear, or manufacturing sectors?

The Virginia Maritime & Nuclear Workforce Accelerator is a competitive , employer-driven program designed to support companies in identifying workforce needs and implementing targeted training solutions. Virginia’s maritime , nuclear , and aligned advanced manufacturing industries play a critical role in national defense, energy production, and the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness.

Employer engagement and workforce research show consistent demand for skilled trades and technical occupations across maritime and nuclear energy supply chains. The Accelerator is designed to support employers as they expand training options and advance workers into these roles. Register in eVA : Register or update your account in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s eVA procurement system .

Applications will only be accepted through the official posting on eVA. Visit eVA to find the Request for Application (RFA) and get started. Get a Unique Entity ID (UEI) : Go to SAM.

gov and get a UEI—no entity registration required. The UEI number is mandatory for any reimbursement associated with this opportunity. Identify your training needs : Roles to be trained, number of workers, training topics and skills learned, and curriculum.

Connect with your Local Workforce Board or industry association for assistance in identifying training solutions. View the RFA and Apply on eVA Register for the April 6th RFA Webinar Review the FAQs below for additional guidance. eVA Customer Care : Official eVA support, including contact information, videos and guides.

Supplier Training Materials : eVA’s page of training tools and documents to help users navigate the eVA system. Viewing & Responding to Solicitations : This video was developed by eVA to help users learn how to navigate the vendor portal. Account Maintenance for Suppliers : This video was developed by eVA to help users learn how to maintain their accounts.

Grant Writing Tips and Tricks : This video was developed by grant staff at Virginia Works and contains general information on grant writing tips and tricks. Eligible applicants must be: Employers operating in Virginia Employers engaged in shipbuilding, nuclear energy, or aligned manufacturing supply chain occupations Employers committed to participating in the performance reporting process See the application for more detail.

Funding Availability and Reimbursement Structure The following funding limits apply: Employers may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible training costs .

Reimbursement will be disbursed incrementally based on achievement of the following performance milestones: 60% upon verified employee training completion 20% upon verified participant job retention with the same employer six (6) months following training completion Employers may request funding for multiple training programs. The maximum total reimbursable amount per employer is $100,000 , aggregated across all awards.

See the application for more detail. Allowable Costs (Examples) Eligible training costs may include: Employer training tuition and fees Trainer wage/salary costs Training-related materials or supplies used for instruction, not for personal use Employer paid credentialing or certification fees All costs must be approved in advance and meet federal and state allowability and procurement standards. See the application for more detail.

Reporting & Compliance Requirements Provide minimum required data on training participants Verify training completion and retention milestones Submit required documentation to support reimbursement All costs must be approved in advance and meet federal and state reporting standards. Virginia Works will provide guidance, templates, and technical assistance to support compliance. See the application for more detail.

Eligible applicants must: Select training models aligned to identified workforce needs Provide training according to approved application for funding Be committed to performance tracking and reporting requirements See the application for more detail. How do employers get started? Register or update your account in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s eVA procurement system ( https://eva.

virginia. gov/ ) See the New Supplier Registration Guide Registration is not considered complete unless a Commonwealth of Virginia Substitute W-9 Form is received Approval takes about 1 week, so employers are encouraged to register ASAP Go to SAM.

gov and get a Unique Entity ID—no entity registration required Click on the green “ Get Started ” button See: What’s the difference between only getting a Unique Entity ID (UEI) and registering your entity?

for more information on getting a UEI without registering Check Entity UEI Status : Entities with a UEI number are encouraged to “ Check Entity Status ” to ensure their information is up to date and to confirm they will provide the correct 12-character alphanumeric UEI Number with their application NOTE : The UEI number is mandatory for any reimbursement associated with this opportunity Identify your training needs Roles to be trained, number of workers, training topics and skills learned, and curriculum Looking for custom or modular training solutions?

Connect with your Local Workforce Board or industry association for assistance in identifying training solutions Are there any resources or guides for learning to use using eVA? Here are some resources that applicants can access to start learning how to navigate eVA: Customer Care : Find assistance and request forms. Supplier Training Materials : Access training tolls and documents to help you navigate eVA.

Viewing & Responding to Solicitations : Watch this video to learn how to navigate the vendor portal. Account Maintenance for Suppliers : Watch this video to learn how to maintain your account. Who do we contact with questions?

As part of the procedures for the Request for Application, all applicants have the opportunity to ask questions for clarification on the RFA’s requirements. Employer applicants should review the RFA in its entirety to ensure the answer is not already in the RFA. Applicants are encouraged to reference the RFA section or other attached documents and RFA page number that corresponds with their question(s).

Questions regarding this RFA must be submitted by electronic mail as an Excel attachment using the provided template (See EXHIBIT F: Question Submission Template ) to GrantApplications@VirginiaWorks. gov with the following Subject Line: “Questions – RFA #116330” . All questions must be received by April 15, 2026, at 5:00PM ET .

Late Question submissions will not be accepted. Responses to all questions received by the question submission deadline will be posted on or before April 20, 2026, at 5:00PM ET and published anonymously as an addendum to the RFA posting on eVA . Answers will be accessible to all applicants.

Because questions and answers are shared, employer applicants should avoid revealing proprietary solutions in their question submission. How will employers know the application is open? The application will be posted on eVA , an announcement will be posted on the Virginia Works LinkedIn , and this webpage will be updated to reflect the application being open.

Where do employers find and submit applications? Once the application opens, applications will be accepted through the official RFA posting on eVA . Applications will not be accepted through any other channels.

The application will be posted on eVA with the following commodity codes : 95935: Construction Services, General (Marine) 92435: In-Service Training (For Employees) 12023: Boats, Over 21 Feet (Including Ferries) 59350: Nuclear Energy Machinery and Equipment (Subcritical Assy.

, Dosimetry Equipment, Hot Cell Devices, etc.) 55330: Components, Manufacturing (Stamped, Formed, Welded) 55345: Hardware, Manufacturing (Not Otherwise Classified) 90930: Building Construction (Not Otherwise Classified) 90960: Maintenance and Repair, Industrial Building 92566: Manufacturing Engineering 95924: Boats and Motors Maintenance and Repair Can an employer still apply if they did not complete the initial interest form? Yes.

Employers can still apply even if they did not complete the interest form. What types of training are supported? Supported training options may include: Short-term credential or certification programs Customized or modular training Registered Apprenticeship or apprenticeship-aligned training Employer-led on-the-job training models How much funding can an employer receive?

Each employer may receive reimbursement for up to 80% of eligible training costs , with a maximum reimbursement of $100,000 per employer. How does reimbursement work? Reimbursement is performance-based: 60% of approved training costs after verified training completion 20% after verified six-month job retention Employers are responsible for the remaining portion of training costs.

Can this program support incumbent/current workers? Yes. Training may support new hires or incumbent/current workers, provided it aligns with program requirements and approved training plans.

Can this program support new hires? Yes. Training may support new hires or incumbent/current workers, provided it aligns with program requirements and approved training plans.

What reporting is required? Employers must provide required participant data, training completion documentation, and retention verification in accordance with federal and state reporting standards. Virginia Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Department of Workforce Development and Advancement | 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 source. We are committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and job creation.

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