Virginia Works - Virginia's Workforce Development Agency Maritime Nuclear Accelerator – Virginia Works Skip to content

Important Note: Once the application opens, applications will ONLY be accepted through the official RFA posting on eVA. Create an account today.

Announcing Virginia’s

VIRGINIA MARITIME & NUCLEAR
WORKFORCE ACCELERATOR

Targeted Assistance for our Valued Employers

Supporting Virginia’s Maritime, Nuclear, and Aligned Manufacturing Workforce

Funds Available:
Reimbursement of up to 80% of approved training costs, capped at $100,000 per employer

Timeline:
Application opens April 2026

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.

While you’re waiting for the application to release….

  1. Register in eVA: Register or update your account in the Commonwealth of Virginia’s eVA procurement system.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Review the FAQs below for additional guidance.

Industrial worker welding metal
Eligibility

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
Funding Availability and Reimbursement Structure

Eligible applicants must be:

  • Employers may be reimbursed for up to 80% of eligible training costs
  • Maximum reimbursement per employer: $100,000
  • Reimbursement is tied to performance milestones:
    • 60% upon verified participant training completion
    • 20% upon verified six-month post-training job retention
  • Trainee wages and salaries are not allowable costs under this program
  • All costs must be approved in advance and meet federal and state allowability and procurement standards.
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.

Reporting & Compliance Requirements

Employers must:

  • 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

Key Requirements

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

FAQS

How do employers get started?
  • Register in eVA
    • 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
  • UEI Number
    • New UEI Number
      • 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

Updated 3/25/26 

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.

Updated 3/25/26 

Where do employers 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 

Updated 3/25/26 

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.

Updated 3/25/26 

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

Updated 1/16/26 

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.

Updated 1/16/26 

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.

Updated 1/16/26 

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.

Updated 1/16/26 

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.

Updated 1/16/26 

What reporting is required?

Employers must provide required participant data, training completion documentation, and retention verification in accordance with federal and state reporting standards.

Updated 1/16/26 

Who do we contact with questions?

All questions can be directed to Virginia Works at: GrantApplications@virginiaworks.gov

Updated 1/16/26 

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.

Build your future workforce.