September 17, 2025 — Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a significant rise in the number of Virginians earning industry-recognized licenses and certifications—a 10% year-over-year increase across the Commonwealth, and nearly double the application volume handled a decade ago. Virginia’s Community Colleges are proud contributors to this progress, helping to address Virginia’s growing demand for middle-skill workers.
Southwest Virginia Community Colleges (Mountain Empire Community College (MECC), Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC), Southwest Virginia Community College (SWVCC), and Wytheville Community College (WCC) play a vital role in strengthening the overall state’s workforce and addressing critical employment gaps. Through innovative training programs, strong industry partnerships, and a deep commitment to student success, these four institutions are creating direct pathways from education to employment. Each college offers hands-on, career-focused education that aligns with the needs of local employers in sectors such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, technology, and more. By responding quickly to labor market demands, the colleges ensure that graduates are job-ready and well-equipped to contribute to the state’s economic growth. Together, these Southwest Virginia Community Colleges are not only preparing individuals for high-demand careers—they are driving regional development, supporting businesses with a skilled talent pipeline, and helping communities thrive. Their collective impact reflects the power of community-based education in building a stronger, more resilient workforce for today and the future.
Local Impact by the Numbers
Mountain Empire Community College awarded 501 high-demand credentials during the 2023-2024 academic year, supporting key industries like construction, engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. • Programs such as Practical Nursing (LPN), Nursing (RN), and Phlebotomy, have seen success rates (greater than a 97% pass rate) on licensure exams. • Four new programs (i.e., Machine Operator I, II, and III and Community Health Worker) have been created to meet the growing demand for manufacturing and healthcare program graduates. “At Mountain Empire Community College, I see every day how industry-recognized credentials change lives. Each new license or certification means one more student ready for a good job, one more employer finding the talent they need, and one more step toward a stronger economy in Southwest Virginia,” said MECC President Kristen Westover. “I am proud to work alongside our sister colleges and industry partners to expand opportunity and meet the demand for middle-skill talent across the Commonwealth.”
Virginia Highlands Community College helped more than 540 graduates earn close to 800 degrees and certificates during the 2023-24 academic year, supporting key industries like health care, engineering, manufacturing, information technology, and construction. • Several programs saw dramatic increases in enrollment, including: Welding (67%), Electrical Technology (46%), and Diesel Mechanic (29%). • Several new short-term training programs have been created to meet the demand in the construction, maintenance, and trades industry including nationally-certified Carpentry and Heavy Equipment Operator. “At Virginia Highlands, we’re seeing tremendous growth in short-course, direct-to-employment credential programs—like heavy equipment operation and CDL training—tailored to equip our students with licensure and real middle-skills in high demand across Southwest Virginia,” said Adam Hutchinson, VHCC President.
Southwest Virginia Community College awarded 714 students earn industry-recognized licenses in 2023-2024 academic year, supporting key industries like Carpentry, Welding, and Phlebotomy. • Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing, and Heavy Equipment Operator programs all had a 100% pass rate. Welding, CDL, Phlebotomy, and Diesel Repair programs all had a greater than 94% pass rate. The Certified Nursing Assistant program had a 75% pass rate. • The Fiber Optics Technician program was created to meet the increasing labor market demand, along with numerous customized trainings catered specific to industry needs. Clint Hayes, President of Southwest Virginia Community College, added, "At Southwest Virginia Community College, every credential earned represents a student achieving their goals, a family gaining new opportunities, and a stronger community. We are proud to work hand in hand with our students and local employers to ensure that the training we provide translates into real careers and a lasting impact here in Southwest Virginia."
Wytheville Community College helped 341 students earn industry-recognized licenses in the 2023-2024 academic year, supporting key industries like Healthcare, CDL, Power Line Worker, and Welding. • WCC’s Nursing (RN) program graduates achieved a 100% pass rate for three consecutive years. • Recent expansion of WCC’s Power Line yard allows for more class offerings. • Industrial Maintenance programs at WCC support area manufacturers to train current and future employees. • WCC’s Prison Education Programs provide incarcerated individuals an opportunity to receive training and certifications in Welding and Precision Machining. “Earning industry-recognized licenses and certifications equips our students in Southwest Virginia with the practical skills and credentials needed to immediately contribute to the workforce. Providing quality education and skills training helps meet our region's growing demand for middle-skill workers, and enables students to secure employment, support their families financially, and enhance their overall quality of life,” Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President said.
These efforts from the colleges serving our Southwest Virginia region of the state directly support the Virginia Community College System goal of awarding 300,000 credentials by 2030, as part of its “Accelerate Opportunity” strategic plan. Meeting Virginia’s Talent Needs The increase in licensures is especially critical as Virginia—and the nation—grapples with a shortage of workers for “middle-skill” jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree. A Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce report shows these roles—especially in healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and IT—are in high demand but undersupplied.
Southwest Virginia Community Colleges are helping to close that gap by: • Expanding access to affordable, short-term credential programs through initiatives like FastForward. • Partnering with local employers to ensure training aligns with job market needs. • Covering licensure-related costs through embedded fees and financial aid when available. • Working alongside Southwest Virginia (SWVA)and statewide industry partners to provide hands-on training and work-based learning that connects students directly to job opportunities in SWVA.
About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills, so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. In the academic year 2024, Virginia’s Community Colleges served more than 232,000 students across 23 schools throughout Virginia. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu. For more information on FastForward, please visit fastforwardva.org.
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