NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Thousands of critical jobs are sitting empty across Hampton Roads, from the shipyard floor to hospital hallways.

To help close the gap, the Hampton Roads Workforce Council is launching two new training programs targeting two industries that are vital to both the local economy and national security: shipbuilding and healthcare.

The initiatives are funded by $300,000 in state grants through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act administered by Virginia Works .

"These are great industries to have jobs in," said Andrew Nissman, Senior Director of Development and Communications for the Hampton Roads Workforce Council. "But we're struggling to attract and retain enough skilled workers into these industries locally."

The shortage is severe in maritime trades. Ac

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