CONTACT: Wes Smith
wsmith@vamanufacturers.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 29, 2026
Virginia Manufacturers Association Showcases Unified Workforce Effort with CCWA and MSI
-High Impact Manufacturing Certifications to Strengthen Virginia’s Talent Pipeline-
RICHMOND, VA—The Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) is proud to spotlight the powerful workforce development partnership between the Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) and the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) to strengthen Virginia’s talent pipeline and expand access to high‑quality manufacturing training for VMA members across the Commonwealth.
As the trusted workforce solutions partner of the Virginia Manufacturers Association, MSI provides industry‑aligned training, certifications, and workforce development services that support both employers and job seekers in advanced manufacturing.
Through MSI’s Academic Partner Program, CCWA is authorized to deliver nationally recognized certifications to manufacturers, incumbent workers, and job seekers throughout the Greater Richmond Region. MSI’s certification programs—including MT1, PharmaMT, and Lean Practitioner—are shaped by employer‑defined standards to ensure training is directly connected to industry needs. This partnership ensures that CCWA’s training offerings meet the skills and competency expectations of Virginia’s manufacturing employers.
“The partnership between the Virginia Manufacturers Association, the Manufacturing Skills Institute, and the Community College Workforce Alliance is one of the most effective workforce engines in the Commonwealth,” said Wes Smith, VMA Workforce Solutions Director & MSI Executive Director. “By aligning industry-validated MSI certifications with CCWA’s accessible and affordable training programs, we are giving Virginia manufacturers exactly what they need—a reliable pipeline of job-ready talent.”
The relationship between VMA, MSI, and CCWA directly strengthens manufacturing competitiveness in Virginia:
- VMA identifies workforce needs, advocates for supportive policies, and ensures that manufacturers have access to a strong talent pipeline.
- MSI, as VMA’s workforce solutions partner, develops industry-driven certifications and workforce programming that equip workers with the skills employers require.
- CCWA, as an MSI Academic Partner, delivers these programs directly to the regional workforce, creating fast-track pathways into manufacturing careers and supporting the upskilling of current employees.
Together, these organizations provide VMA members with unparalleled access to affordable, high-quality, industry-validated training that helps address labor shortages, improve productivity, and support long-term workforce sustainability.
“This partnership shows what’s possible when industry and education truly align around real employer needs. VMA, MSI, and CCWA share the same goal of building a job-ready, skilled workforce,” said Joseph Sanders, CCWA Instructor. “By creating practical pathways instead of just offering training, we are helping employers find qualified talent and helping individuals build meaningful careers. I’m proud to be part of this work.”
CCWA Spring 2026 Manufacturing Course Schedule
Lean Practitioner Certification
May 2026
A practical introduction to Lean Six Sigma methods, focusing on applying core Lean principles through hands-on exercises and real-world process improvement activities.
Manufacturing Technician Level 1 (MT1) Certification
March – May 2026 | May – June 2026
Prepares participants with essential manufacturing competencies, including math & measurement, spatial reasoning, manufacturing technology, and quality fundamentals needed for entry-level production roles.
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician (PharmaMT) Certification
May – June 2026
Equips learners with foundational skills for pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, covering core production principles, equipment, processes, and industry-specific quality systems.
About the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA)
About the Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI)
The Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) provides education, skills training, and consulting solutions for careers in advanced manufacturing through world-class programs delivered by MSI and its education partner institutions. In partnership with industry, employers set the skill standards for all MSI offerings—ensuring training and advisory services are directly aligned with employment, productivity, and career advancement opportunities. MSI partners with manufacturers to assess workforce needs, design customized training and talent strategies, and implement solutions delivered through on-the-job training, classroom-based instruction, and online learning.