Workforce Development in Hanover County, VA

Supporting Talent. Strengthening Business. Growing Community.

Hanover County offers a strong, supportive workforce environment designed to meet the needs of employers, job seekers, and students alike. Through a combination of local programs, regional partnerships, and innovative tools, the county is building a workforce prepared for today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s challenges.

Hanover County Workforce Resources

Hanover County Economic Development provides a wide range of workforce assistance services to support local businesses and residents.  These include:

For Employers:

• Customized recruitment and hiring support
• Wage and labor market analysis
• Layoff aversion strategies
• Guidance on state and federal workforce incentives
• Connections to training programs and funding sources

For Job Seekers:

• Job listings through the Hiring in Hanover, VA app
• Career coaching and resume assistance resources
• Resources from the Virginia Workforce Connection and Virginia Employment Commission (VEC)
• AI-powered job skills training at VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI
• Adult education and foundational skills development resources via the Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC)

For a more detailed listing of resources, visit:  Workforce Assistance – HanoverVirginia.com

Hiring in Hanover, VA – Mobile Job Search Tool

Hanover County’s Hiring in Hanover, VA app connects local job seekers with current job openings from area employers. Features include:

• Industry and location-based job search
• Company profiles and job application links
• Free on iOS and Android devices

Visit the app:  Hiring In Hanover VA

Workforce Development for Youth and Students

Hanover County is committed to preparing the next generation for career success through hands-on learning, technical skills training, and early work-based experiences.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Courses – Hanover County Public Schools

CTE courses offered throughout Hanover County high schools provide students with valuable industry-relevant skills in areas such as healthcare, engineering, business, agriculture, and information technology. These courses help students explore career paths while earning certifications and credentials aligned with employer needs.

The Hanover Center for Trades and Technology

The Hanover Center for Trades and Technology delivers specialized training in high-demand skilled trades such as automotive technology, carpentry, electricity, HVAC, and welding. Students receive hands-on instruction, gain practical experience, and can earn industry-recognized certifications that support immediate entry into the workforce or post-secondary training.

Cooperative Work Experience Program (Co-WEP)

The Cooperative Work Experience Program provides high school students—particularly those with disabilities—an opportunity to gain real-world work experience while continuing their education. This early exposure to the workforce helps build confidence, employability skills, and long-term career readiness.

Together, these programs ensure that Hanover students are graduating not just with diplomas, but with career-ready skills that align with the region’s evolving workforce demands.

Regional & State Workforce Partnerships

Hanover County is supported by a range of regional and statewide partnerships that expand access to training, employment services, and specialized workforce programs.

Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA)

Provides job-specific training and credentialing in fields such as healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and information technology.

Virginia Career Works – Capital Region

A regional One-Stop system offering job placement, on-the-job training, and youth employment programs.

Network2WorkRVA & Career Advantage 

Programs like Network2WorkRVA and Career Advantage support individuals with employment barriers through free coaching, wraparound services, and direct connections to job opportunities.

Virginia Talent Accelerator Program

Offers customized training and recruitment support to significant business expansions within or locating in Virginia. Delivered in partnership with VEDP and the community college system.

Virginia Adult Learning Resource Center (VALRC)

Based at Virginia Commonwealth University, VALRC supports adult educators and learners by offering instructional resources, professional development, and literacy education support. This is a valuable resource for adults seeking to improve foundational skills such as reading, writing, English language proficiency, and digital literacy.

Hanover County Labor Market Snapshot

• Labor Force: Approx. 62,600
• Unemployment Rate: ~3.1% (as of May 2025)
• Greater Richmond Regional Workforce: ±720,000
• High School Graduation Rate in Hanover: 94%

For more workforce data, visit Virginia Works.com.