Strengthening Virginia’s infrastructure, paving the way for Virginia’s economic growth
About VIA
The Virginia Infrastructure Academy (VIA) is a partnership between the Lumina Foundation and Virginia’s Community Colleges that aims to address the critical skills gap in Virginia’s workforce by providing training for infrastructure-related jobs. Focusing on high-demand areas such as heavy construction, road, bridge, and tunnel construction, broadband expansion, and renewable energy infrastructure, VIA provides pathways to high-paying jobs and career advancement. This initiative supports the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and aligns with Virginia’s economic growth goals.
Low to No Cost Education and Training
Many VIA programs qualify for funding through FastForward, where students on average pay $801 out of pocket. For programs that qualify for additional funding, most students pay nothing for their training.
VIA Industries
Energy
Solar PhotovoltaicWind
Electrical/Powerline
Broadband
Transportation Bridge & Highway
HEOHighway Maintenance
Transportation
Pipelayers
Construction
Trades & Utilities
WeldingPower Plant
Plumber
Electrician
Maintenance / Mechanic
The subject matter experts behind Virginia’s infrastructure future
Additionally, Virginia Infrastructure Academy is led by a steering committee which includes veterans of the field, including:
Samantha Brill
Laurel Ridge Community College
Jeanian Clark
Laurel Ridge Community College
Trenton Clark
Virginia Asphalt Association
Elizabeth Creamer
Community College Workforce Alliance
Ed Dalrymple
Chemung Corporation
Todd Estes
Community College Workforce Cooperative
Ken Garrison
Heavy Construction Contractors Association
Dr. Shashuna Gray
Germanna Community College
Deborah Harvey
Heavy Construction Contractors Association
Perry Hughes
Wytheville Community College
Matt Kellam
Dominion
Ray LaMura
The Broadband Association of Virginia
Tina Lance
Germanna Community College
Dana Newcomber
Community College Workforce Alliance
Dave Peterson
SHINE
Eugene Thompson
Day and Zimmerman
VCCS System Office Staff
Sam Northington, Virginia Infrastructure Academy Coordinator, Career Education and Workforce Programs
This program model focuses on success from the moment a student connects with the college.
Average Wage Increase by Industry
Starting average salary for all industries: $18-$20/hour or $35,000-$40,000 annual salary
Supporting diverse infrastructure needs across the commonwealth
Below is a sampling of programs within the Virginia Infrastructure Academy and a list of community colleges that specialize in those trainings.
Diesel Mechanic
Diesel Engine Mechanics perform electrical, heating and air, wheel end assembly, air system, air brakes and charging systems diagnostics and repairs.
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Southside Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Heavy Equipment Operator
Heavy Equipment Operators operate several types of power construction equipment, such as compressors, pumps, hoists, derricks, cranes, shovels, tractors, scrapers and motor graders.
Blue Ridge Community College
Germanna Community College
Laurel Ridge Community College
Patrick & Henry Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Powerline Worker
Power Line Workers install, maintain and repair the power lines that move electricity. Workers identify defective devices, voltage regulators, transformers, and switches. Inspect and test power lines and auxiliary equipment.
Central Virginia Community College
Mountain Empire Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Southside Virginia Community College
Wytheville Community College
Electrical (levels offered vary by college)
Electricians apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial, and industrial electric-power wiring.
Community College Workforce Alliance
Central Virginia Community College
Danville Community College
Mountain Gateway Community College
Eastern Shore Community College
Germanna Community College
Laurel Ridge Community College
Mountain Empire Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Southside Virginia Community College
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Plumbing (levels offered vary by college)
Licensed plumbers apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, assemble, install, and maintain piping fixtures and systems for steam, natural gas, oil, hot water, heating, cooling, drainage, lubricating, sprinkling, and industrial processing systems in home and business environments.
Community College Workforce Alliance
Central Virginia Community College
Danville Community College
Germanna Community College
Laurel Ridge Community College
Mountain Empire Community College
New River Community College
Patrick & Henry Community College
Piedmont Virginia Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Carpentry (levels offered vary by college)
Carpenters apply technical knowledge and skills to lay out, cut, fabricate, erect, install, and repair wooden structures and fixtures, using hand and power tools.
Community College Workforce Alliance
Central Virginia Community College
Germanna Community College
Laurel Ridge Community College
Mountain Empire Community College
Patrick & Henry Community College
Southwest Virginia Community College
Tidewater Community College
Virginia Peninsula Community College
Commercial Driver’s License
(endorsements offered vary by college)
CDL drivers have the technical knowledge and skills to drive trucks and buses, delivery vehicles, for-hire vehicles and other commercial vehicles.
All 23 of Virginia’s Community Colleges run a Commercial Driver’s License program. Note: Brightpoint Community College and Reynolds Community College operate as one workforce unit through the Community College Workforce Alliance.