Part 6: Apprenticeships Continue to Gain Momentum in Virginia

Written by: Kristina Keech Spitler

Virginia’s Renewed Focus on Apprenticeships

Virginia is placing a renewed focus on apprenticeships as part of its broader workforce development strategy. Increasingly viewed as foundational pillars of economic growth, apprenticeships play a critical role in strengthening talent pipelines and aligning workforce skills with employer needs. Virginia is among the states at the forefront of this effort, with Virginia Works administering the state’s Registered Apprenticeship Program and partnering with employers to develop highly skilled workers through occupation-specific training models.

This emphasis has translated into significant programmatic growth. In 2022, Virginia had just 4 registered apprenticeship intermediary organizations; by 2025, that number had grown to 30—a 575% increase. State leadership, including the Virginia Secretary of Labor and the Virginia Works Commissioner, has underscored the importance of apprenticeships in building a future-ready workforce. These programs create earn-while-you-learn opportunities, expand access to career pathways, strengthen employer talent pipelines, and support long-term economic growth.

Importantly, apprenticeship programs are not limited to entry-level workers. They serve individuals across all stages of their careers—from those entering the workforce to experienced workers seeking to reskill or transition into new fields. This inclusive approach has positioned Virginia as a national leader in apprenticeship innovation. On May 4, 2026, the Commonwealth of Virginia was selected for the Apprenticeship America cohort, recognizing its leadership in modernizing and expanding registered apprenticeship programs to meet the evolving demands of the workforce.

Child Labor Prohibition Exception for Certain Apprenticeships

There is also a child labor-related change tied to Virginia’s renewed focused on apprenticeships. Effective July 1, 2026, under the new law, children age 16 or older may serve in an apprenticeship program or other work-based learning experience related to culinary arts or information technology, provided certain conditions are met, including school enrollment, counselor or administrator confirmation that the student is on track to graduate, proper apprenticeship registration, participation in a Board of Education-approved work-training program, and compliance with the FLSA and Virginia safety laws.

For Virginia employers, this broader apprenticeship focus may present workforce planning opportunities. The point is not that every employer must start an apprenticeship program, but that Virginia is actively building infrastructure around them and presenting them as part of a long-term labor strategy. Consider whether your business may benefit from creating an apprenticeship program.

If your organization is exploring talent development or alternative workforce pipelines, contact VFN’s employment law attorneys, Kristina Keech Spitler, Esq. or Meghan M. Phillips, Esq., to discuss how apprenticeship developments in Virginia may affect your planning, child-labor laws, or assist with other employment-related legal issues at 703-369-4738 or kspitler@vfnlaw.com or mphillips@vfnlaw.com.  

This blog post is not intended to provide legal advice or substitute for the advice of legal counsel with respect to specific facts and situations. See disclaimer