U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer visited Virginia this week as part of her "America at Work" listening tour, focusing on job training programs and workforce development initiatives in the state. The visit included stops at a shipbuilding apprenticeship school in Newport News and local manufacturers such as Volvo Penta and STIHL Inc.
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer stated, "As we carry out President Trump’s directive to upskill our workers and prepare them for the high-paying jobs of the future, I enjoyed visiting Virginia to see how places like Volvo Penta and Newport News Shipbuilding are leading the way with successful on-the-job training programs. The Department of Labor is proud to support our next generation of technicians, manufacturers, and shipbuilders, and thanks to the Working Families Tax Cut, these workers are keeping more of their pay while gaining the skills needed to achieve the American Dream. I’m grateful to Congresswoman Kiggans for hosting me and for her leadership in supporting Virginia’s workforce."
Congresswoman Jen Kiggans joined Secretary Chavez-DeRemer during the visit to Volvo Penta's North American Headquarters and Training Center in Chesapeake. Rep. Kiggans said, "Thank you to Volvo Penta training headquarters located in Chesapeake for graciously hosting our visit with Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Their commitment to innovation and economic growth in our region is truly inspiring and a great example of how Virginia’s Second District is a leader in driving workforce development! I am grateful to Sec. Chavez-DeRemer for joining me to see firsthand the incredible work being done right here in Hampton Roads and to discuss the victories secured in the Working Families Tax Cut legislation recently signed into law!"
At Volvo Penta, discussions centered on building marine and industrial engines that support the U.S. Navy’s presence in the region. Secretary Chavez-DeRemer noted that provisions within the Working Families Tax Cut—such as expanded Pell Grant access for students pursuing skilled trades—are creating new opportunities for stable careers.
In Virginia Beach, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer toured STIHL Inc., where she observed production lines benefiting from immediate expensing measures included in recent tax legislation. These measures are intended to help companies invest quickly in manufacturing equipment, expand operations, and create skilled positions.
The tour also included a stop at HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School. There, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer met apprentices participating under President Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance. She later participated in a roundtable discussion with community leaders about workforce development strategies and opportunities available through Registered Apprenticeship programs.
The "America at Work" listening tour began earlier this year with an aim to gather feedback from American workers across different states. Recently, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer completed visits throughout New England highlighting skilled labor contributions and educational pathways that strengthen local communities.
