The Association for Manufacturing Excellence, a 42-year-old professional association representing 4,000 members and 60, 000 relationships in the manufacturing community supports workforce training needs and strongly advocates for the recruitment of skilled professionals whose practical, hands-on abilities are invaluable, often surpassing the significance of traditional academic qualifications. The United States is facing a widening skills gap as manufacturing and construction accelerate, fueled by reshoring initiatives and growing foreign investment. Despite this momentum, workforce shortages and production costs, still 10% to 50% higher than those of global competitors, continue to pose serious challenges. In Virginia, roughly 426,000 adults lack a high school diploma or GED, limiting access to further education and skilled training. Since 2020, Virginia Technical Academy (VTA), a DOLI-accredited trade school with an open-enrollment model, has demonstrated exceptional results, graduating more than 1,500 students and achieving a 95% job placement rate. A recent National Federation of Independent Business survey shows that one-third of small businesses have unfilled positions, and nearly half struggle to find qualified candidates. These findings highlight the need to reevaluate trade school admissions and funding models, shifting financial support toward measurable outcomes such as job placement and retention rather than enrollment alone. Trade schools create pathways to strong, in-demand careers. Skilled trades allow individuals to enter the workforce quickly, earn competitive wages, and avoid the long-term debt associated with traditional degrees. Programs in plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, HVAC, and other high-demand fields provide practical, hands-on training that aligns directly with industry needs. Re-evaluating trade school admissions and funding models and shifting financial support toward measurable outcomes, such as job placement and retention rather than enrollment alone, will strengthen Virginia’s and the nation’s efforts while addressing the critical skills gap. By expanding support for effective trade pathways, learners will gain greater access to stable, rewarding careers and contribute to a more competitive U.S. workforce.

I support accreditation and enforceable standards for trade schools. We need more skilled tradesmen and they should be accredited with enforceable standards.

I support accreditation and enforceable standards for trade schools. We need more skilled tradesmen and they should be accredited with enforceable standards.

Learning a Trade is a pathway to success, most times without incurring debilitating debt. Our Company, Art Newsome, Inc. employs over 25 skilled Tradesman that enjoy a rewarding career with all the benefits associated, all without owing thousands in student debt. We support the establishment of enforceable labor standards and formal oversight for trade schools under the Virginia Secretary of Labor.

Virginia is the 12th largest state by population, has a low unemployment rate (3.6%), and a large manufacturing GDP (top 20 in the U.S.) As the population grows in Virginia and the rest of the United States, it drives the need for more food, pharmaceuticals, energy, chemicals, and the list goes on. The need for skilled workers that are required to maintain, build, and operate the growth of manufacturing plants is now. With an ever-growing demand for skilled labor, it is vitally important to develop standards for training and educating our young men and women in the trades. This includes electricians, mechanics, welders, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, boiler makers, etc. Many of our young men and women want to learn a skilled trade and are prevented from doing so due to existing per-education requirements. Making a mistake as a young person or dropping out of school, should not penalize or prevent a dedicated young man or woman from obtaining a skill and using it to support their families and attain the American dream. Establishing minimum requirements is critical in this mission. As a graduate from the US Naval Academy, US Naval Submarine Officer, with 38 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, I urge you to vote yes for our future and the future of our young Americans.