CONTACT: Wes Smith
wsmith@vamanufacturers.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 22, 2026
Virginia Manufacturers Gain New No‑Cost Training Opportunity Through VMA-MSI Apprenticeship Partnership
-Partnership Brings Employers Access to Funded Workforce Training-
RICHMOND, VA—The Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) has announced its partnership with the Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) to provide Virginia manufacturers access to the Advanced Manufacturing Machine Operator Registered Apprenticeship Program (AMMORAP). This Registered Apprenticeship program offers a no‑cost training pathway for manufacturers and includes a $1,350 direct employer incentive.
The AMMORAP program is available to both incumbent workers and new hires and supports a wide range of production‑floor roles, including machine operators, production technicians, manufacturing technicians, chemical equipment operators, and other similar positions. The program is designed to align with manufacturers’ operational needs by combining full‑time, on‑the‑job learning with self‑paced online instruction, allowing employees to earn while they learn without disrupting operations.
The Virginia Manufacturers Association recognizes a clear and ongoing need for cost‑effective training solutions that support operational productivity. The AMMORAP program ensures that manufacturers have streamlined access to high‑quality training, a $1,350 financial incentive, and eliminates out-of-pocket training costs. This partnership directly reflects the VMA’s commitment to advancing workforce development solutions that strengthen Virginia’s manufacturing competitiveness and help employers grow their talent pipelines.
Through this partnership, manufacturers can focus on production rather than managing an individual apprenticeship program. While MSI handles all administrative components, manufacturing employees are provided with a proven workforce development track that results in an industry‑recognized Journeyworker credential.
The Manufacturing Skills Institute is in its budgeting and funding allocation cycle for the first half of the year, making early employer engagement essential. To secure available training funds, manufacturers are encouraged to meet with MSI now to review the program structure, discuss anticipated participation, and secure available funding.
To register for the AMMORAP program and learn more, contact Wes Smith.
About the Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA)
The Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) is the unified voice of Virginia’s manufacturing sector, advocating for public policies that strengthen the Commonwealth’s business climate and supporting manufacturers through a wide range of workforce, professional development, and business services. The VMA works to advance a competitive manufacturing economy by engaging industry leaders, policymakers, and partners to ensure manufacturers in Virginia can innovate, grow, and succeed.
About the Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI)
The Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI) provides relevant education and skills training for careers in advanced manufacturing by offering world-class training programs delivered by MSI and MSI education partner institutions. Through the partnership between industry and education, employers set the skill standards for MSI program offerings, wherever they are offered, to ensure learning is linked to employment and career advancement opportunities. Employer-specific customized training can be provided onsite or at any MSI education partner location. Working learners advance their manufacturing technology knowledge and skills via OJT classes, classroom-based, and online training offered by MSI and education partner faculty grounded in real-world experience.