ABC Virginia is an industry leader in construction apprenticeship programs. Companies that invest in employee development through apprenticeship programs attract a quality workforce of loyal and highly skilled employees, while closing the skilled workforce gap.

ELECTRICAL

HVAC

PLUMBING

DRYWALL

CARPENTRY

SHEET METAL

TELECOM/LOW VOLTAGE
ABC-Virginia has a long history of providing high quality, student-centered learning with an emphasis on hands-on training. Our goal is to give individuals the opportunity to learn a trade, become skilled crafts professionals, earn a good living, and build Virginia.
Through our educational affiliate, National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), we use Contren, a competency-based, task-driven, and nationally recognized curriculum. ABC-VA instructors are required to complete a formal certification in order to ensure consistent delivery of the curriculum.
The ABC-VA Apprenticeship Training councils represent the participating employers and work with ABC-VA staff to oversee the programs. These councils have shown an unwavering commitment to making certain the programs are on the cutting edge, meeting today’s workplace needs.
Tradesmen Licensing Procedures & DOL Information
We have been made aware of changes to the licensing procedures concerning the exemption of the examination for individuals completing an apprenticeship program. There has been conflicting information about when this will take effect and how the process will be streamlined.
The process is still a two-part process:
- As the Related-Instruction Provider, ABC-VA will provide employers with an Official Transcript certifying classroom hours on our letterhead with our signature for apprentices enrolled in ABC-VA related instruction programs. In addition to providing employers with this information, we will also provide a copy to the Department of Labor (DOL).
- Employers will need to verify completion of On-the-Job Training (OJT) directly with DOL to certify the appropriate hours for time-based apprenticeship programs or the completion of competencies for competency-based apprenticeship programs. This is determined by the Standards of Apprenticeship created between the employer and DOL.
Once the two parts have been completed, DOL will issue an Apprenticeship Action Form containing a red stamp. This form and transcript will need to accompany the licensing application with the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
Additionally, the Department of Labor now operates under Virginia Works. During this transition, emails and points of contact will be changing. If you receive a bounce back from your Department of Labor rep, please try changing the email address to the “@virginiaworks.gov” email address. For example, Maynard Stowe in Hampton Roads changed from “maynard.stowe@doli.virginia.gov” to maynard.stowe@virginiaworks.gov. Emails are not being forwarded automatically.
Here is an updated list of regional offices (located here on the DOL website). You may need to call directly to determine who your specific representative is based on the physical location of your home office.
National Craft Competition
ABC presents the National Craft Competition (NCC) annually to highlight the achievements of the men and women who represent the future of the construction industry. Craft trainees and apprentices travel from across the country to demonstrate their superior skills, training and safe work practices and compete for top honors in their chosen craft.
For the training sponsors, employers and ABC chapters, the NCC demonstrates a staunch commitment to the career paths the construction industry offers.
Congratulations to our 2023 in-house competition champions!
CENTRAL VIRGINIA
HVAC | Electrical | Plumbing |
1st - Gabriel Pena, Howell’s Heating and Air | 1st - Jhonatan Silva, Electriforce | 1st - Thomas Carter, Remco |
HAMPTON ROADS
HVAC | Electrical | Plumbing |
1st - Nicholas Rodriguez, ColonialWebb Contractors | 1st - Brent Coulter, Tri-Star Electric, Inc. | Garrett Wallace, Southeastern Mechanical, Inc. |

