Michelle Olson, Maritime Workforce Coordinator
Investment is necessary to grow the pipeline of skilled workers in Hampton Roads needed to support critical industry sectors, including shipbuilding and ship repair, the emerging offshore wind industry, road, and infrastructure construction. The HR Strong Initiative has been designed to boost existing training efforts in Hampton Roads in order to provide a skilled and prepared workforce to deliver first-time quality, and support (1) increased Navy ship construction, repair, modernization, and maintenance programs, (2) the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, (3) Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel expansion project, and (4) the critical need to develop opportunities for historically underserved communities to access and thrive in careers that provide family sustaining wages.
HR Strong Initiative for Marine Trade Training
The HR Strong Initiative for Marine Trade Training is a partnership of the Hampton Roads Workforce Council (HRWC), the Virginia Ship Repair Association (VSRA) and the Community College Workforce Cooperative (CCWC) which includes Camp Community College (CCC), Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC), and Tidewater Community College (TCC).
HR Strong offers low to no cost Marine Trade Training (MTT) in areas such as marine welding and structural fitting.
This program is valued at over $9,000 per individual and can assist with supportive services including childcare, transportation, and uniform attire. There is also the opportunity for learners to earn achievement-based incentives based on satisfactory performance in the class.
HR Strong offers:
- Up to 11 weeks of expanded Marine Trade Training (MTT)
- OSHA 10, Intro to Blueprint Reading, Emergency First Response Certifications
- Supportive Services & Achievement Based Incentives
- Job Readiness Services including Resume Assistance and Interview Prep
- Connections to a Network of Industry Employers
- Employer Engagement Activities including Meet & Greets and Tours
Minimum Qualifications for Participants:
- 18 years of age or older
- Registered for Selective Service, where applicable
- Authorized to work in the U.S.
- Pass a drug screening & physical
- Complete a background check*
*Convictions may make it hard to find employment – but it is not impossible
Different funding options are available and are based on individual circumstances.
This is one of several programs that the Hampton Roads Workforce Council leads for the region’s diverse business community. Other initiatives provide monetary support to businesses looking to train existing and new employees through our Incumbent Worker Training and On the Job Training programs. Our Business Services team would be happy to meet with you to discuss which option works best for your training needs.
For more information about the HR Strong program, please reach out to Michelle Olson at: molson@theworkforcecouncil.org or call 757.681.8974
For more information about the Incumbent Worker or On the Job training programs, reach out to Deborah Bailey at: dbailey@theworkforcecouncil.org or 757.629.4695
About the Author
Michelle Olson has been employed with the Hampton Roads Workforce Development Council for five years. She thoroughly enjoys helping people find their passions and obtain self-sufficiency. Michelle has two undergraduate degrees. One is in Business Management and the other in Human Services. She also has a Career Development Facilitator Certification and is currently working on being a Certified Workforce Development Professional. In her free time, she enjoys frocking in the woods with her pup Penny, playing old-school Nintendo games, roller skating and pizza!
Visit https://www.theworkforcecouncil.org/hr-strong/
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