Workforce

Supporting world-class companies that manufacture aircraft, rockets and satellites, to engineering and systems integration services, Virginia offers a pro-business climate and one of the nation's most educated and capable workforces to meet the needs of space and aerospace industries.

Virginia offers an educated, productive and motivated workforce including more than 18,900 doctoral scientists and engineers living in Virginia – more than any other state in the Southeast. (Source: Virginia Economic Development Partnership)

Labor Market Data

Race/Ethnicity (2008)

Median Age (2008)

Labor Force 2008

Labor Force Participation 2000 Census

Unemployment

Unemployment Rate (October 2009)

Unemployed (2008)

Underemployed (3rd Quarter 2009)

Educational Attainment

Percentage of population age 25+ who have earned a Bachelor's Degree or higher:

*City of Norfolk Community Profile and **City of Virginia Beach Community Profile prepared by the Virginia Economic Development Department.

Bachelor's Degree attainment or higher for Maryland's Eastern Shore:

*U.S. Census Bureau 2000. Prepared by the Maryland Department of Planning, Planning Data Services, May 2002.

 ¹The VA Eastern Shore/Profile Area consists of Accomack and Northampton counties in Virginia.

²The Labor Area consists of the cities of Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia; and the Eastern Shore of Maryland counties of Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester.

Labor market information from the Eastern Shore Community Profile produced by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership except where noted. To see the complete profile click here - profile_219[1].pdf 

Workforce Development

WRP Education Facility

The Garrett Companies and Stoladi Property Group are planning the initial phase of 60,000 square feet of Class-A office space in Wallops Research Park on a 3.4-acre parcel located on Mill Dam Road (Route 798), just west of the Marine Science Consortium. This facility will house government contractors and others serving the Wallops Complex as well as serving as an anchoring education facility focusing on aerospace, aeronautic and other related businesses

The office space will be constructed in either a single or twin two-story buildings with brick elevations. The Garrett Companies will serve as the project development partner and Stoladi Property Group will serve as the property management partner.

The WRP administrative office also will be located in the initial building. The first building is scheduled to be completed in mid-2011.

Local Training Allies

Eastern Shore Community College 

On Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the Workforce Development Program at Eastern Shore Community College (ESCC) offers a broad range of cost effective education and training services to individuals, as well as business, industry, government and professional organizations in support of economic development and community enrichment.

The program is comprised of six integrated units – customized training, continuing education and professional development, adult education, career pathways, Workforce Investment Act and community education programs – that work closely with local business and industry as well as community, economic development and planning agencies and government, and civic and social service organizations.

In addition to open enrollment continuing education classes, as a WRP ally, ESCC Workforce Development staff will customize a program to meet your business’ specific needs, and, in most cases deliver right in your own workplace to save you down time and travel costs.

Eastern Shore Community College - Workforce Development

Old Dominion University 

Graduate and undergraduate degrees and certificates and licensures can be obtained at the United States Navy Surface Combat Systems Center at Wallops Island via Old Dominion University’s distance learning program. Engineering degrees are available.

Old Dominion University - Distance Learning

Wallops Research Park allies include University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Wor-Wic Community College. Workforce training programs are also available through these institutions. Additionally, through its various member universities, the Marine Science Consortium – a WRP principal – can offer a broad range of business development expertise for new or established small, medium and large business wishing to locate with in park.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Rural Development Center assists in public development projects that carry out approved economic development conversion strategies. The RDC assists community groups, non-profit organizations, local elected and appointed officials and private firms. A WRP ally, UMES expertise is available for your workforce training needs.

University of Maryland Eastern Shore, Skipjack Rural Development Center, and Maryland Hawk Corporation

Wor-Wic Community College 

Wor-Wic’s continuing education and workforce development division offers career-oriented non-credit courses during three major terms each year, beginning in September, January and April. Courses are designed to help students prepare for a new career, upgrade existing skills, meet licensure, certification or continuing education requirements, improve technical skills and provide opportunities for self-improvement. A WRP ally, Wor-Wic’s expertise is available for your workforce training needs.

Wor-Wic Community College Continuing Education Program