The Shadow
RICHMOND, VA (VR) – While speaking at Google’s Reston office, Governor Youngkin announced the launch of VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI – a new online AI Career Launch Pad to help Virginians explore, learn, and connect to high-demand AI and tech-related opportunities. Developed by Virginia Works in partnership with the Grow with Google program, this one-stop launch pad is designed to help working-age Virginians understand, explore, and prepare for the growing role of artificial intelligence across a wide range of industries and jobs.
The VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI site features curated no-cost and low-cost learning opportunities from beginner friendly courses on AI fundamentals and practical workplace applications of artificial intelligence to bootcamps and degree programs offered by Virginia’s leading-edge community colleges and universities. Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s new agency for workforce development and advancement – will disburse Career Certificate scholarships to support Virginians in gaining free access to high demand career and artificial intelligence training.
“AI is increasingly part of every aspect of work, and we’re excited to launch this opportunity for Virginians to take part in this future,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Our new AI Career Launch Pad will take Virginia to the next level as a global leader in AI careers and training. We’re nationally ranked as one of the top states for AI job postings, underscoring Virginia’s position as a leading hub for AI innovation and talent. Virginia has jobs, and I want to thank the teams at Virginia Works and Google for your shared commitment to making sure every Virginian is prepared and ready to take advantage of the changes and exciting new possibilities AI is bringing to the workforce.”
Any Virginia resident can visit the site, sign up for a scholarship, enroll in eligible programs, and develop foundational AI knowledge and skills. Scholarships can be applied to two types of programs- Google AI Essentials Courses, which are foundational offerings on AI skills and best practices, and Google Career Certificates, which provide in depth, job-ready training in high demand fields such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and project management. Globally, 86% of graduates say the AI skills taught in the AI Essentials course will improve their productivity and/ or efficiency at their job, and 70% of Google Career Certificate graduates report a positive career impact such as a raise, new job, or promotion within six months of completion.
“Google is committed to championing economic growth and opportunity in Virginia. We’re proud to collaborate with Virginia Works to provide our AI Essentials and Google Career Certificates at no cost to workers across the Commonwealth,” said Bronagh Friel, Head of Partnerships, Grow with Google. “This will help equip more Virginians with the in-demand skills to secure great jobs, advance their earning potential, and drive a prosperous future for the state.”
“Thousands of Virginians are already working in AI-related roles, reflecting a strong and growing talent base across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater. “Virginia has also experienced a surge in AI-related job postings – with approximately 31,000 listings — signaling rapid expansion and high employer demand. The VirginiaHasJobs.com/AI launch pad will ensure Virginia remains the top state for talent and is essential to fostering continued job growth.”
“We are the only state in the nation with AI guidelines for K-12 through higher education, fostering responsible and effective implementation of AI across education in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Education Aimee Guidera. “Virginia is leading the nation at every level of education—through AI literacy, our rigorous computer science standards, and hosting our first-of-a-kind AI in Higher Education Summit—we are preparing students to be ethical users, innovative designers, and critical thinkers.”
Visit www.virginiahasjobs.com for more information about Virginia Has Jobs.
For more information about Virginia Works and the full range of workforce services they offer, go to www.virginiaworks.gov.
Remarks from today’s announcement can be viewed HERE.
