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.

Madam Chair and members of the Subcommittee: My name is Rick Dwyer and I am the Executive Director of the Hampton Roads Military and Federal Facilities Alliance. I am also a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and served over 20 years on active duty. Our organization and the communities of Hampton Roads collectively support 18 military installations, all six branches of the military services, 120,000 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel, over 125,000 military dependents, and nearly 220,000 veterans. In 2024, the Department of Defense spent over $76.2 billion in Virginia and directly employed over 247,000 people. Needless to say, supporting the military and our national defense is part of who we are in Hampton Roads and the Commonwealth. I wish to express our strong support for House Bill 1520. Concerns about military spouse employment opportunities is an area of concern we frequently hear from military commanders. Military spouse careers are often interrupted by the frequent moves required of military members. According to Blue Star Families, the military spouse unemployment rate has hovered around 21% since 2015. Military spouse unemployment or underemployment can lead to retention and readiness issues as military members decide to leave the military to support their spouse employment and family economic needs. Virginia can assist in bolstering military families by enacting HB1520 that permits state and local governments to offer hiring preferences for military spouses. This bill recognizes the need to combat military spouse unemployment rates and support the financial well-being of military families. Providing a hiring preference for military spouses supports the service and sacrifices of our military families in the Commonwealth. Additionally, this bill can lead to Virginia retaining workforce talent as veterans are more likely to stay in Virginia upon leaving the military if their spouse is employed with a good job. This bill sends a clear signal that Virginia values its strong relationship with the military and is willing to continuously support efforts to make the Commonwealth the most military-friendly state in the country. We humbly request your support of HB1520.

Attached please find the testimony of the United States Department of War with respect to the policies reflected in House Bill 1520.