News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SVCC Contributes to Statewide Rise in Licensure, Helping Close Virginia’s Middle-Skills Gap
Governor Glenn Youngkin recently announced a significant rise in the number of Virginians earning industry-recognized licenses and certifications—a 10% year-over-year increase across the Commonwealth, and nearly double the application volume handled a decade ago. Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) is proud to be a key contributor to this progress, helping to address Virginia’s growing demand for middle-skill workers.
“Our programs such as truck driving, diesel, fiber, powerline, welding, nursing, EMS, Administration of Justice, HVAC, electricity, and IT are equipping more students than ever with the credentials they need to secure high-paying, in-demand jobs,” said SVCC’s President, Dr. Quentin R. Johnson. “This local success is part of a larger statewide push to close the talent gap and drive economic growth.”
Local Impact by the Numbers
Southside Virginia Community College helped 671(a 19% increase from 2023-2024) students earn industry-recognized licenses in academic year 2024-2025, supporting key skilled trade industries.
Enrollment has increased in programs such as Diesel Technology (45%), Practical Nursing (38%), Welding (25%), Information Technology (24%), Industrial Technology (14%), and Powerline (10%).
Many graduates have seen increased earnings within a year of completion: Powerline students experienced wage growth of up to 198%, and Diesel Technology students experienced wage growth of 180% to 318% across six sub-programs.
These efforts directly support the VCCS goal of awarding 300,000 credentials by 2030, as part of its “Accelerate Opportunity” strategic plan.
Meeting Virginia’s Talent Needs
The increase in licensures is especially critical as Virginia—and the nation—grapples with a shortage of workers for “middle-skill” jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree. A Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce report shows these roles—especially in healthcare, trades, manufacturing, and IT—are in high demand but undersupplied.
SVCC is helping close that gap by:
Expanding access to affordable, short-term credential programs through initiatives like FastForward.
Partnering with local employers to ensure training aligns with job market needs.
Covering licensure-related costs through embedded fees and financial aid when available.
About Southside Virginia Community College
Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC) is a two-year institution of higher education established as a part of the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). SVCC serves primarily the residents of the city of Emporia and the counties of Brunswick, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Greensville, Halifax (partial), Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward. This represents 4,200 square miles. SVCC serves as a gateway to education, training, and employment opportunities by providing relevant and innovative programs responsive to the diverse communities it serves in a student-centered, inclusive learning environment. For more information, please visit southside.edu.
About Virginia’s Community Colleges
Since 1966, Virginia’s Community Colleges have given everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills, so lives and communities are strengthened. By making higher education and workforce training available in every part of Virginia, we elevate all of Virginia. In the academic year 2024, Virginia’s Community Colleges served more than 232,000 students across 23 schools throughout Virginia. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu. For more information on FastForward, please visit fastforwardva.org.
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