Governor McAuliffe signs executive order on advancing apprenticeships in Virginia

While speaking this week at the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Workforce Conference in Richmond, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed Executive Order Number 49 on expanding registered apprenticeships in Virginia.

“Apprenticeships are a proven tool for connecting people who are seeking work with employers offering good-paying and rewarding positions to individuals with the right skills,” said Governor McAuliffe. “This Executive Order will make Virginia a leader in adopting Registered Apprenticeships in both the public and private sectors so that we can train the workforce we need to help us build a new Virginia economy.”

Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones added, “Talent development is the most important ingredient for sustainable economic growth in the Commonwealth. Registered Apprenticeships are an effective talent development vehicle for all industries and provide a powerful combination of work, education and training to prepare our workforce for the jobs to be done in the 21^st century.”

Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry Ray Davenport added, “Expanding Registered Apprenticeships will help Virginia’s efforts to get workers the skills they need to succeed in rewarding careers. I look forward to helping to implement this order so that more companies and workers can come together around skilled positions that are essential to building a new Virginia economy.”