Virginia offers diverse career opportunities that are expected to continue expanding across the state.
According to the Virginia Employment Commission, employment is projected to grow 10.1 percent by 2026, exceeding the national growth rate of 7.4 percent.
The best part is, many of the jobs that show promising growth can be attained with an associate degree, certificate or some college, and also fall into the industries that are covered by G3 tuition assistance: Early Childhood Education, Healthcare, Information Technology, Public Safety and Skilled Trades (construction and manufacturing).
As we look into the crystal ball, here’s how the forecast is shaking out for the Commonwealth’s most in-demand industries.
Healthcare
It’s not surprising that healthcare is one of the top fields for students using G3, considering it’s a vast industry with many opportunities for growth and continuing education.
Factors such as an aging population, advancements in medical technology and an increased focus on healthcare access have contributed to the robust demand for healthcare professionals in the Commonwealth. In fact, nursing and medical assistants are projected to have more than 12,000 roles to fill by 2026.
Virginia’s healthcare sector also offers opportunities for individuals interested in support roles such as medical billing and coding specialists, healthcare IT professionals and medical laboratory technicians – all careers that you can pursue through G3.
Information Technology (IT)
The IT sector in the state has experienced rapid expansion, thanks in part to the presence of tech giants, government agencies and innovative startups.
Job opportunities in IT are diverse and include software developers, data scientists, cybersecurity specialists, network engineers and IT project managers. Virginia’s proximity to the nation’s capital further bolsters the demand for IT professionals to support federal agencies and government contractors.
Because G3 programs allow you to “stack” skills and certificates you can begin your career in IT as an administrator and work towards leading projects and teams.
Public Safety
Public safety careers have always been a cornerstone of communities, and Virginia is no exception. The state values the dedication of individuals who protect and serve, which is reflected in its employment opportunities in law enforcement, firefighting and emergency medical services (EMS).
Aspiring public safety professionals can pursue careers as police officers, firefighters, paramedics, grief counselors and social services assistants. Virginia’s commitment to safety ensures a steady need for well-trained personnel in these critical roles.
If a career in public safety is your calling, G3 can help you pursue the training needed to protect and serve your community.
Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education is crucial for setting the foundation for a child’s future academic success, and Virginia needs passionate educators now more than ever.
By 2026, Virginia will need more than 750 more preschool teachers as well as other roles including daycare providers, special education teachers and education administrators.
G3 assistance covers tuition for select ECE programs that will prepare you to fill these roles and help educate future Virginians.
Skilled Trades
While misconceptions still exist about jobs in skilled trades, these careers are the backbone of Virginia’s infrastructure and development. These professions encompass a wide range of trades, from construction and HVAC to plumbing and electrical work.
Positions in skilled trades and manufacturing, such as electricians, plumbers, welders, and carpenters, are consistently in demand to support construction projects, infrastructure maintenance and home improvement services.
