Newport News taps into CARES Act funds
Effort will launch free workforce training program
Newport News residents who are unemployed, underemployed or facing hardships from the pandemic will be able to participate in a new training program focused on fields with a high demand for workers.
The city and the Greater Peninsula Workforce Development Consortium launched the initiative — the CARES Workforce Assistance Program — this week with the goal of helping 215 residents earn industry credentials and find work in that field when the program ends at the end of the year.
There is no cost, and participants can earn credentials in health care, information technology, construction, trades and the maritime industry. They also can obtain a commercial driver’s license.
The program targets fields “that are in critical need of employees” while offering minimum starting pay of $13.50 per hour, according to a news release.
Sarah Bowman, a city spokeswoman, said the city is budgeting $650,000 of its federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act money for the program. The city received more than $30 million from the act that must be spent by the end of the year.
“We heard from many who are struggling with unemployment and are worried about how to pro
vide for their families,” said Mayor McKinley L. Price. “This program underscores our city’s belief in our residents and their limitless potential. By investing in those who call Newport News home, we are transforming their circumstances and helping them begin challenging new careers in high-demand industries.”
Instructors in the program will be certified staff from Peninsula-based schools and organizations. Courses are available for adults no longer in high school and blend in-person and virtual learning.
The city said classes begin immediately; many of the programs have rolling application deadlines. Residents can contact the organizations directly for specific information:
■ Centura College (truck driving – CDL) – 757-8742121
■ Shipper’s Choice (truck driving – CDL) – 757-8961155
■ Healthcare Training Solutions (health care) – 757-405-8498
■ Talent Tech South (information technology) – 888-909-1542
■ Virginia Ship Repair/ Hampton Roads Workforce Council (maritime) – 757233-7034
■ Virginia Technical Academy (construction and trades) – 757-383-9585
The city is also opening the Denbigh Workforce Center, where visitors can get help researching and applying for jobs and workforce development programs.
The city is renting space at 14851 Warwick Blvd. from New Beech Grove Baptist Church to operate the center. The center opens Oct. 5 and will be accessible from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday.
For more information about the workforce assistance program or the workforce center, email cwapcoordinator@gmail.com or call 757354-7764.
“This program underscores our city’s belief in our residents and their limitless potential.”
— Mayor McKinley L. Price