FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2026
The Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board (BCWDB) announced today that it has been awarded $60,000 in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds by the Virginia Department of Workforce Development & Advancement to expand employer-led upskilling across the region.
This investment from the U.S. Department of Labor, administered through the Virginia Department of Workforce Development & Advancement, will support training strategies that help employers upskill and retain talent in high-demand industries, including information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, skilled trades, aquaculture, and other priority sectors identified in the region’s Local Workforce Development Plan.
Through this grant, BCWDB will partner directly with regional employers to design customized workforce training solutions, including:
• Incumbent Worker Training (IWT) – advancing skills of current employees
Priority will be given to small and mid-sized businesses and employees who may be at risk of job displacement due to technology changes, restructuring, or evolving industry needs.
“This funding strengthens our ability to partner with local employers to train and retain talent right here in our region,” said Jackie Davis, Executive Director of the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board. “By aligning employer-driven training based on their identified needs, we are helping workers access better careers while supporting local business growth and competitiveness.”
This initiative strategically aligns with our current projects, which focus on talent development, business services, and regional workforce pipeline expansion. This funding enhances the BCWDB’s efforts to build a coordinated, employer-driven talent system that supports long-term economic development and regional competitiveness.
“We are committed to building a workforce ecosystem where businesses can grow and residents can thrive,” said Davis.
Employers interested in participating or learning more about funding opportunities for talent development are encouraged to contact Jackie Davis by email at [email protected].