0,000+ in tuition and fees for in-demand occupations), and connections to apprenticeships. Every state has a workforce agency that oversees unemployment insurance, labor market information, and rapid response services for laid-off workers. Registered Apprenticeship programs pay workers while they train for skilled trades (electrician, plumber, HVAC, heavy equipment, and increasingly healthcare and IT). For formerly incarcerated fathers, state Department of Labor reentry programs and organizations like the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) provide transitional jobs and placement. This directory includes AJCs, workforce boards, apprenticeship programs, and reentry services.
16 Resources
1. Virginia Employment Commission (VEC) — Free
State agency administering unemployment insurance benefits, job placement services, and labor market information for Virginia workers and employers. File for unemployment insurance online or by phone after losing a job through no fault of your own. VEC also operates Virginia Career Works centers statewide for job search and training support. Call 866-832-2363 for unemployment claims assistance. Visit the website to file weekly certifications and check payment status for existing claims.
866-832-2363 · 6606 W Broad St, Richmond, VA 23230 · Mon-Fri 8:15am-4:30pm · Visit Website
2. Virginia Career Works - Richmond — Free
One-stop workforce center offering job search assistance, resume writing workshops, skills training referrals, and career counseling for Richmond area job seekers. Walk-in and appointment-based services are available Monday through Friday. Computers, printers, and job search resources are available on-site at no cost. Training scholarships through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act may be available for qualifying participants. Located on East Main Street in downtown Richmond.
804-780-3999 · 600 E Main St, Suite 300, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
3. Virginia Career Works - Northern Virginia — Free
Workforce development center serving Northern Virginia with job training, career coaching, resume assistance, and employer connections for Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William County residents. Services include job fairs, mock interviews, and WIOA training scholarships for qualifying job seekers. Walk-in computer access and career resources available. Located in Vienna. Call 703-752-1606 or visit vcwnorthern.com for current services, job fair schedules, and appointment availability.
703-752-1606 · 8300 Boone Blvd, Suite 450, Vienna, VA 22182 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
4. Virginia Career Works - Hampton Roads — Free
Regional workforce center providing career services, job fairs, training scholarships, and employer recruitment events for the Hampton Roads area. Services include resume workshops, interview preparation, career counseling, and connections to WIOA-funded training programs. Located in Chesapeake and serving the broader Hampton Roads region. Call 757-766-4915 to inquire about services and appointment availability. Walk-in computer access available during regular business hours.
757-766-4915 · 723 Woodlake Dr, Chesapeake, VA 23320 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
5. Virginia Career Works - Roanoke/Blue Ridge — Free
Workforce center serving the Roanoke Valley and Blue Ridge region with job placement assistance, training programs, resume help, and career development resources. Services include career counseling, job fair events, and WIOA training scholarships for qualifying participants. Located on Electric Road in Roanoke. Call 540-613-6900 or visit vcwblueridge.com to learn about current services and schedule an appointment. Walk-in computer access is available during business hours.
540-613-6900 · 3959 Electric Rd SW, Roanoke, VA 24018 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
6. Goodwill Industries of the Valleys (Roanoke) — Free
Provides job training, career coaching, and employment placement for individuals with barriers to employment throughout western Virginia. Goodwill operates career resource centers and skills training programs for people facing unemployment, disability, or other challenges. Services are available at low or no cost to eligible participants. Located in Roanoke on Melrose Avenue. Call or visit to inquire about available training programs, job placement services, and current enrollment opportunities.
540-581-0620 · 2502 Melrose Ave NW, Roanoke, VA 24017 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
7. Virginia Workforce Connection — Free
State-run online job board connecting Virginia job seekers with employers across all industries. Create a free account to post your resume, search thousands of Virginia job listings, and access labor market data and career planning tools. Employers post positions directly and the database is updated daily. Also includes resources for unemployment insurance claimants to document job search activity. Access the platform 24/7 at vawc.virginia.gov or through Virginia Career Works centers.
866-832-2363 · Online resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
8. Virginia Community College Workforce Programs — Paid
Virginia's 23 community colleges offer short-term workforce credentials, registered apprenticeships, and FastForward training grants that can cover up to two-thirds of tuition for qualifying programs in high-demand fields. Programs are designed to be completed in weeks to months and lead to industry-recognized credentials. Financial aid and employer tuition reimbursement may also be available. Visit vccs.edu or contact your local community college to explore training options and grant eligibility.
804-819-4901 · 300 Arboretum Pl, Suite 200, Richmond, VA 23236 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website
9. SBA Virginia District Office — Free
Free business counseling, SBA loan programs, and small business development resources for Virginia entrepreneurs and small business owners. The Virginia District Office connects businesses with lenders for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans, assists with federal contracting, and refers entrepreneurs to SCORE and SBDC partners for free mentoring. Located in Richmond on North 8th Street. Call or visit the website to learn about loan programs, training events, and how to access business development resources.
804-771-2400 · 400 N 8th St, Suite 1150, Richmond, VA 23219 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website
10. SCORE Virginia – Free Business Mentoring — Free
Free business mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and retired executives through SCORE Virginia chapters in Richmond, Norfolk, Northern Virginia, Roanoke, and more. Services include one-on-one mentoring sessions, business plan review, financial projections guidance, and workshops on marketing and operations. All services are free and confidential. Schedule a mentoring session online at score.org or contact your nearest Virginia chapter to get matched with a mentor in your industry.
800-634-0245 · Multiple VA chapters · By appointment · Visit Website
11. Year Up – National Capital Region — Free
Free intensive career training and internship program for young adults ages 18-29 serving the Northern Virginia and DC metro area. Year Up provides six months of technical and professional skills training followed by a six-month internship at a corporate partner. Participants receive a stipend and job placement support. Accepted students must commit to the full-time program. Apply online at yearup.org. Income eligibility and a high school diploma or GED are required to participate.
857-284-6200 · Northern Virginia/DC metro · Full-time · Visit Website
12. Federal Bonding Program – Virginia — Free
Free fidelity bonding program for Virginia job seekers who face barriers to employment such as prior criminal records, poor credit history, or substance abuse history. Bonds are issued at no cost to the job seeker or employer and cover the first six months of employment. Bonds make employers more willing to hire high-risk applicants. Access the program through any Virginia Career Works center. Bring a job offer letter and ID when requesting a bond through the program.
Through Virginia Career Works centers · Mon-Fri
13. Opportunity Inc. (Hampton Roads Workforce) — Free
Regional workforce board for the Hampton Roads area with career center locations and training programs serving Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and surrounding communities. Services include career counseling, resume assistance, job fairs, and WIOA training scholarships. Call 757-461-7537 to find the nearest career center location and schedule an appointment. Walk-in computer and job search resources are available at career center locations during business hours.
757-461-7537 · 500 E Main St, Suite 900, Norfolk, VA 23510 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm
14. SkillSource Group (Northern VA Workforce) — Free
Northern Virginia workforce board operating career centers in Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William County providing job search assistance, training referrals, and employer connections. Services include resume help, career counseling, interview preparation, and connections to WIOA training scholarships for qualifying job seekers. Call 703-752-1606 or visit myskillsource.org to find the nearest career center and explore current services and job fair schedules in Northern Virginia.
703-752-1606 · 8300 Boone Blvd, Suite 450, Vienna, VA 22182 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website
15. Urban League of Hampton Roads – Employment — Free
Career services for underserved Hampton Roads residents including job placement assistance, skills training, resume help, and workforce development programs. The Urban League serves individuals facing barriers to employment including those with criminal records, limited education, or long-term unemployment. Located in Norfolk on East Princess Anne Road. Call 757-627-0864 or visit the website to inquire about current programs and eligibility for career development and job placement services.
757-627-0864 · 528 E Princess Anne Rd, Norfolk, VA 23510 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website
16. Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) – Virginia — Free
Free transitional employment and job placement program for people with recent criminal records. CEO provides immediate paid day labor assignments to help participants rebuild work history, followed by job placement support into permanent employment. The program is available at Virginia locations and is free to participants. No long-term commitment required to start. Contact CEO at ceoworks.org to find a Virginia location and learn about enrollment requirements and next steps.
Virginia locations · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website