Workforce development for manufacturing in Virginia has never been more critical. Manufacturing has long been the backbone of the state’s economy, from the shipyards of Hampton Roads to advanced aerospace in Northern Virginia and food processing in the Shenandoah Valley. The Virginia manufacturing workforce supports more than 200,000 jobs statewide, powered by craftsmanship and innovation. Yet today, the biggest challenge isn’t production capacity, it’s people.
As the industry faces an aging workforce, widening skills gaps, and growing compliance demands, Virginia’s manufacturers are asking: How do we build a workforce ready for the future? The answer lies in workforce development for manufacturing in Virginia, a people-first strategy that blends training, recruitment, retention, and modern HR practices to give businesses the competitive edge they need.
Content
- Why Workforce Development for Manufacturing in Virginia Matters
- Key Workforce Challenges Facing Virginia Manufacturers
- Workforce Development Strategies for Virginia Manufacturers
- PeopleWorX + Virginia Manufacturers: A People-First Partnership
- Looking Ahead: The Future of Workforce Development for Manufacturing in Virginia
- Final Takeaway
Why Workforce Development for Manufacturing in Virginia Matters
The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that 2.1 million manufacturing jobs could go unfilled nationally by 2030. In Virginia, the pressure is especially high:
- Advanced manufacturing is one of the fastest-growing industries in the state.
- Skilled trades, machinists, welders, and technicians, are in short supply.
- Global supply chain shifts are bringing more production back to U.S. soil, increasing demand for local talent.
Workforce development is not just about hiring. It’s about keeping talent, by offering career paths, competitive pay, and a workplace culture that values people. Manufacturers who make workforce development a priority will find themselves better positioned to handle growth, compliance, and the rapid changes ahead.
Key Workforce Challenges Facing Virginia Manufacturers
Skilled Labor Shortages
Virginia manufacturers consistently report difficulty finding qualified candidates. Technical training programs are growing, but not fast enough to meet demand. Jobs in welding, machining, and industrial maintenance are particularly hard to fill.
An Aging Workforce
Many of Virginia’s most experienced workers are nearing retirement. Without proactive succession planning and mentorship programs, businesses risk losing decades of knowledge and craftsmanship.
Compliance Complexities
Virginia-based manufacturers often operate across state lines, especially near Washington, D.C. and Maryland. Multi-state payroll, tax withholding, and labor law compliance add administrative strain, and mistakes can mean costly penalties.
Retention Struggles
High turnover slows production and drives up costs. When employees don’t feel supported, through training, recognition, and reliable pay, they are more likely to leave, especially in competitive job markets like Northern Virginia.
Workforce Development Strategies for Virginia Manufacturers
So, what can Virginia manufacturers do to close the gap and build a stronger workforce?
Leverage State and Local Virginia manufacturing workforce Programs
Virginia offers robust support for manufacturers through Virginia Career Works and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). These programs help employers access training funds, apprenticeships, and partnerships with community colleges and technical schools.
Examples include:
- FastForward Program: Short-term credential training to help workers gain in-demand skills quickly.
- Apprenticeship Virginia: Combines on-the-job training with classroom instruction, helping manufacturers build pipelines of skilled workers.
By connecting with these programs, manufacturers can lower training costs while attracting motivated workers.
Modernize HR and Payroll Systems
Too often, small and mid-sized manufacturers rely on manual processes for payroll, scheduling, or compliance. While manageable in the short term, these practices leave businesses exposed to risk. Modern HR technology, paired with real, human support, helps ensure:
- Accurate payroll every time: A must for retention.
- Seamless compliance: With Virginia state laws, federal wage rules, and multi-state requirements.
- Certification and training tracking: To keep employees compliant and skilled.
- Data-driven insights: Helping leaders anticipate workforce needs and budget effectively.
Create a People-First Culture
Virginia manufacturers who retain talent successfully often share a common thread: they treat employees like people, not just workers. This means:
- Providing training and clear career paths.
- Recognizing employee contributions with pay, bonuses, and appreciation.
- Offering predictable schedules and accurate paychecks (an often-overlooked factor in employee satisfaction).
- Building safety and respect into the workplace culture.
PeopleWorX + Virginia Manufacturers: A People-First Partnership
At PeopleWorX, we believe that strong businesses start with people. For manufacturers across Virginia, that means bringing the right balance of technology and human support to workforce management.
We help Virginia manufacturers by delivering:
- Compliance Confidence: Payroll and HR processes that adapt to Virginia’s labor and tax requirements.
- Employee Development Support: Tools to manage certifications, track training, and keep employees audit-ready.
- Dedicated Account Reps: You’ll always work with a real person who knows your business, not a call center.
- Scalable Technology: Cloud-based systems that grow with you, from five employees to five hundred.
Whether you’re running a family-owned shop in Roanoke or managing a multi-site operation in Hampton Roads, we make payroll and HR simple, compliant, and people-first.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Workforce Development for Manufacturing in Virginia
The future of Virginia’s manufacturing workforce will be shaped by several forces:
- Automation and AI: Increasing productivity but requiring new technical skills.
- Reshoring of Supply Chains: Bringing more production back to Virginia, but also straining local talent pipelines.
- Generational Shifts: Younger workers will expect flexible schedules, digital tools, and opportunities to grow.
Companies that act now, by investing in training, retention, and workforce planning, will gain a clear advantage in the years ahead.
Final Takeaway
Workforce development isn’t just a trend; it’s the foundation of a thriving manufacturing business in Virginia. By tapping into state programs, modernizing HR processes, and building people-first cultures, manufacturers can close the skills gap, reduce turnover, and stay competitive.
Ready to strengthen your Virginia workforce? At PeopleWorX, we combine powerful HR technology with dedicated support to help manufacturers scale confidently and compliantly. Let’s build a people-first strategy that keeps your business moving forward.
