Description

VMA/MSI Workforce Solutions Advisory Council (Virtual) – Meeting Summary 

The VMA/MSI Workforce Solutions Advisory Council brings together Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) members, Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) partners, and workforce stakeholders to coordinate, align, and strengthen Virginia’s manufacturing talent strategy. 

The Council provides a forum for VMA members to: 

• Receive updates on current and upcoming VMA/MSI workforce initiatives, 
• Learn about partner programs and funding resources available to support training and employment, 
• Offer feedback on emerging workforce needs, and 
• Help guide priorities for 2026 and beyond. 

This session will highlight new state and federal opportunities that support manufacturers in building talent pipelines, expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs, and upskilling existing employees. Participants will also review progress under the Virginia Works Pipeline Development Grant, which funds a new end-to-end workforce pathway for production workers—from screening and short-term training to pre-apprenticeship, employment, and Registered Apprenticeship. 

Additionally, attendees will receive an update on the Made in Virginia Initiative, a statewide effort to connect manufacturers with integrated workforce, technology, and process improvement solutions. 

The Advisory Council will close with an open discussion to gather input from attendees on priority workforce topics and resource needs to ensure VMA and MSI continue focusing on the right projects to serve Virginia’s manufacturing community.