WWRC's Vocational Training Department is housed in the Career and Workforce Development Division (CWDD) which provides classroom direct instruction, hands-on labs, work-based learning, transition, workforce preparation, and workforce training services for eligible Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) consumers served through the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services' (DARS) Division of Rehabilitative Services (DRS). Workforce preparation and training services are delivered in accordance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), federal, and Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) special education laws and regulations.
Services include workforce training, education and other supports that result in industry-recognized credentials and competitive employment outcomes for persons served. This is achieved in partnership with DARS and through continuous employer engagement.
• Workforce Training is delivered through instructional departments targeting three high growth occupational areas across the Commonwealth of Virginia: Manufacturing and Production; Business/Retail; and, Services/Trades. Each instructional department is led by a qualified Instructor who dually serves as the Department Chair for that department, accountable for program and student outcomes.
• Workforce Education is an integrated component of WWRC's Vocational Training Program, delivered by qualified VDOE licensed Instructors for assessment, skill development, and testing/validation of workplace literacy and academic competencies.
• Other Workforce Supports include academic and assessment services; credentialing assessment, study skills, and test administration; student internship experiences; job seeking and keeping skills; classroom driver's education instruction, and media center operations.
The Vocational Training Department operates on a year-round Semester basis (with 6 week intakes), 50 weeks per year, closing during a 2-week period in December annually. In-service and professional development days are built into the annual calendar which also allows time for industry site visits and employer contacts.
