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Virginia Law

Administrative Code

Virginia Administrative Code
Title 16. Labor And Employment
1/14/2026

Agency 35. Department of Workforce Development and Advancement (Virginia Works)

Preface

VAC AGENCY NO. 35
Department of Workforce Development and Advancement

AGENCY SUMMARY

The Department of Workforce Development and Advancement operates under the supervision of the Secretary of Labor and is charged with administration of Chapter 20.2 of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia relating to increased coordination and efficiencies of operation between all education and workforce programs with responsibilities and resources for employment, registered apprenticeship, occupational training, and support connected to workforce credential and job attainment. The Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement is authorized to promulgate such regulations as may be necessary for the enforcement of Chapter 20.2 of Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia. In addition, the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement is responsible for and manages employment services though the Title III Wagner-Peyser Act funds and is the federally designated state workforce agency and recognized agent responsible for the Registered Apprenticeship program.

The agency provides policy advice to the Governor and direction to local workforce development boards to create a business-responsive workforce pipeline. It supports the development and implementation of Virginia's combined state plan pursuant to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and evaluates labor market data to identify high-demand industries, forecast training needs, and recommend credential strategies.

The agency is also responsible for coordinating funding and performance measures of state and federally supported workforce education and training programs; advising on the certification of eligible training providers; maintaining program outcomes and operations dashboards for public use; oversight and support of the Apprenticeship Council; and leading strategic initiatives, such as pay-for-performance models and regional sector strategies to address employer needs. In partnership with public and private stakeholders, the agency ensures the quality and accountability of local workforce systems and one-stop service delivery through oversight and planning.

The commissioner oversees the agency's operations and initiatives. Each local workforce development board contributes to this mission by preparing regional workforce demand plans, aligning educational opportunities with business requirements, and ensuring cooperation across mandated partners to deliver effective employment services throughout Virginia.

eff. 12/2025

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