VPCC Breaking Ground on $9M Newport News Trades Center
New 16,000-square-foot facility will provide training programs in maritime and construction trades.
Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC) will hold a groundbreaking ceremony tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 12, for the Newport News Trades Center, a new workforce training facility at 520 21st St. in Newport News. The 16,000-square-foot building will offer programs in welding, marine electrical, structural fitting, coatings, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and facilities maintenance.
The $9 million project, scheduled for completion in January 2026, is designed to serve more than 400 students annually. It is located near Newport News Shipbuilding and is intended to provide training for maritime and construction-related careers.
The center is funded through a partnership between VPCC, the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) program, and the City of Newport News. The MIB, established by the Navy in 2024, focuses on workforce development, supply chain stability, and advanced manufacturing to support shipbuilding and repair.
Plans for the facility include modern classrooms, training labs, and a 20-booth welding lab funded in part by a $457,000 Advanced Manufacturing Talent Investment Program grant. Additional funding from Workforce Pipeline resources will support a multi-trade maritime training mock-up.
The project was designed by RRMM Architects, with construction by WM Jordan Company. VPCC officials say the center will offer practical training opportunities aligned with industry needs in the region.
A Newport News Daily contributor produced this post with AI tools and these sources:
“Newport News Now” newsletter - August 11, 2025
