Trade Careers in Virginia

Updated August 14, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Virginia's skilled trades are powering growth in infrastructure, energy, shipbuilding, healthcare, and more. From Richmond to Norfolk and Roanoke, demand for qualified tradespeople continues to rise across the state.

Whether you're entering the workforce or switching careers, here's how to start a rewarding trade career in Virginia.



🔧 Why Trade Careers Are Growing in Virginia

Benefit Details
Infrastructure Growth Road, bridge, broadband, and energy projects statewide
Military & Shipyards Norfolk and coastal regions need tradespeople in shipbuilding and maintenance
State Training Support Virginia Ready Initiative and WIOA funding available for training
Strong Education System Career & Technical Education (CTE) and community colleges statewide

“Skilled trades are essential to Virginia's economy and defense infrastructure.” - Virginia Employment Commission1


⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Virginia

Trade Avg. Salary2 Training Time License Required? Learn More
Electrician $60,840 4-5 years ✅ Yes Electrician Guide
HVAC Technician $52,640 6-24 months ✅ Yes HVAC Guide
Plumber $59,210 4-5 years ✅ Yes Plumber Guide
Welder $50,590 6-18 months ❌ Optional (certs) Welder Guide
Solar Installer $48,870 3-12 months ❌ Optional (some NABCEP) Solar Guide
Carpenter $48,720 6-24 months ❌ No Carpenter Guide
Mold Inspector $51,900 1-6 months ❌ No (Voluntary cert) Mold Guide

🧰 Virginia Apprenticeships & Schools

Virginia supports union apprenticeships, public training programs, and short-term credentials through high schools, colleges, and workforce centers.

Training Type Duration Notes
Apprenticeship 3-5 years Paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction
Community Colleges 6-24 months Associate degrees and workforce credentials statewide
High School CTE 1-2 years Career and Technical Education (CTE) for juniors and seniors

“Registered apprenticeships and FastForward training programs are key to filling Virginia's skills gap.” - Virginia Community College System3


🏫 Trade Schools in Virginia

Virginia offers extensive trade training options, including FastForward programs, technical colleges, and private training providers.

🎓 Tip: Many Virginians qualify for FastForward, a short-term workforce training grant that covers up to two-thirds of tuition costs.

Why Attend Trade School in Virginia?

Advantage What It Means for You
Short-Term Options Credentials in weeks or months, not years
Financial Aid Available FastForward, WIOA, and GI Bill funding accepted
High Placement Rates Many programs are aligned with in-demand jobs
Local Programs Training centers in every region of the state
Stackable Credentials Earn certifications that lead into apprenticeships or degrees

Explore Accredited Schools


🏛️ Virginia Licensing Agencies

Trade Licensing Agency
Electrician Virginia Board for Contractors
Plumber Board for Contractors - Plumbing
HVAC Technician Mechanical contractor license via DPOR
Solar Installer May need electrical license depending on project scope
Mold Inspector No license required; certifications like ACAC, NORMI recommended

📈 Virginia Trade Career Outlook

Trade Median Salary2 Projected Growth
Electrician $60,840 8%
HVAC Technician $52,640 9%
Plumber $59,210 6%
Welder $50,590 3%
Solar Installer $48,870 18%
Carpenter $48,720 2%
Mold Inspector $51,900 6%

✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Virginia?

Whether you're starting out or retraining, Virginia offers tuition help, fast-track programs, and apprenticeships to help you gain the skills employers need. Start your trade career today.


📚 Citations


  1. Virginia Employment Commission - https://www.vec.virginia.gov

  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (VA): https://www.bls.gov/oes

  3. FastForward Virginia - https://fastforwardva.org


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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.