Hampton Roads community colleges form workforce cooperative

Tidewater, Camp and Thomas Nelson join to coordinate job training programs

Published March 23, 2021 by Kate Andrews

Three Hampton Roads community colleges are forming the new Community College Workforce Cooperative to create a one-stop shop for industries seeking large-scale job training in the region.

Tidewater, Thomas Nelson and Paul D. Camp community colleges, which have 10 locations across Eastern Virginia, announced the collaboration Tuesday. The CCWC, led by Executive Director Todd Estes, will coordinate and centralize the colleges’ resources for job training for industries like shipbuilding, ship repair and wind energy that are growing and need qualified employees.

“By working together, we can build an even stronger and more vibrant workforce,” Tamara Williams, interim vice president of TCC’s Center for Workforce Solutions, said in a statement. “This collaboration positions us to help advance the region’s economic development priorities, filling workforce gaps, and making community college training even more accessible to large employers.”

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