The short answer
In Virginia, you apply for WIOA through Virginia Career Works, the state's American Job Centers. The program is run by the Virginia Works, the state workforce development agency. WIOA can only pay for programs on the Virginia eligible training provider list, and your local center decides what it funds.
Who runs WIOA in Virginia
In Virginia, WIOA services are delivered at Virginia Career Works centers, and Virginia Works, the state workforce development agency, oversees WIOA and maintains the eligible training provider list. The Virginia Employment Commission handles unemployment insurance.
Virginia WIOA links
- Find a job centerCareerOneStop job center finder for Virginia
- Approved training list (ETPL)Virginia Eligible Training Provider List (Virginia Works)
- State agencyVirginia Works, the state workforce development agency
- Virginia Employment Commission (unemployment insurance)
- CareerOneStop WIOA training finder for Virginia
What is specific to Virginia
- Virginia Works says eligible adults and dislocated workers with employment barriers, and out-of-school youth 16 to 24 enrolled in WIOA, may receive local board funded Individual Training Accounts.
- Under Virginia's list policy (effective January 1, 2026), programs must lead to an industry-recognized credential, a diploma or equivalent, or direct employment. Standalone courses such as OSHA, ServSafe or CPR are excluded.
- Local workforce development boards review initial applications with Virginia Works and set their own training priorities.
How to apply for WIOA in Virginia
Find your local center
Find your nearest Virginia Career Works center and ask about WIOA training.
Register and get assessed
You register, often in Virginia Works, then meet a career planner for an assessment of your skills, goals and situation.
Prove eligibility
Bring ID, proof you can work in the U.S., and proof of income, public assistance or layoff. Men in the required age group need Selective Service registration.
Pick an approved program
Choose a program on the Virginia eligible training provider list that leads to a job in demand in your area.
Start training
If you are approved and funds are available, the center sets up payment to the school, often through an Individual Training Account.
Training WIOA can pay for in Virginia
WIOA pays for programs on the Virginia list that lead to jobs in demand where you live. These are the training types people ask about most; each guide explains the rules.
Free to ask, no obligation
Get matched with approved training near you
Tell us what you want to train for in Virginia. We pass your request to training providers near you, who may contact you about their programs. Before you enroll anywhere, check that the program is on your state's approved list and talk to your local job center about WIOA funding.
Thanks, your request is in.
Training providers near you may contact you by email, or by phone if you gave one.
While you wait, the step that unlocks WIOA funding is a visit to your local American Job Center: find your job center, or check which programs you may fit.
Nearby states
Live near a state line, or moving? WIOA usually runs through the job center where you live, but these guides cover the neighbors of Virginia.
First time hearing of WIOA? Read what WIOA is, check who qualifies, and see what it pays for.
Common questions
Can WIOA in Virginia pay for a CPR or OSHA class?
Not on its own. Virginia's list excludes standalone courses such as OSHA, ServSafe or CPR that do not lead to a career pathway credential.
What is Virginia Career Works?
Virginia Career Works is the name of Virginia's job centers, where you apply for WIOA.
How much will WIOA pay for training in Virginia?
It depends on your local workforce board. Federal rules let state and local boards cap the amount and length of training accounts, so the limit can differ within Virginia. Your career planner can tell you the local cap.
Can I apply for WIOA in Virginia through a school or this site?
No. Schools can tell you whether a program is approved, and our form can connect you with training providers, but only Virginia Career Works can enroll you in WIOA and approve funding.
Last reviewed October 13, 2026. WIOA details are set by states and local workforce boards and can change; confirm with your local American Job Center before you enroll anywhere.