VMA Maritime Hiring Event: Connecting VMA Members with the Next Generation of Maritime Talent 

 

On February 5, the Virginia Maritime Association welcomed a strong group of job seekers and member companies to its Maritime Hiring Event, presented in partnership with the Regional Maritime Training System.

The room was full from start to finish. Conversations were steady and purposeful as candidates explored career paths across the maritime and supply chain industries. From operations and logistics to skilled trades and technical roles, attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with employers who are actively building their teams here in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Participating member companies included Dominion Energy, Givens, IMTT, Maritime Institute, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Ocean Network Express North America, Q.E.D. Systems, Inc., and the Virginia Department of Transportation. Each brought insight into the range of careers available and the skills in demand across Virginia’s maritime workforce.

Events like this reflect VMA’s ongoing commitment to workforce development. As our industry continues to grow and evolve, investing in people is not optional. It is essential. By creating direct connections between employers and emerging talent, VMA helps strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Virginia’s ports and supply chains.

A special thank you to the Hampton Roads Maritime Training System (HRMTS) for their support and volunteers from VMA’s Education & Training Committee. Their engagement helps ensure these efforts translate into real opportunities for both companies and job seekers.

Connecting talent with opportunity is how we keep Virginia’s maritime industry moving forward.


The Regional Maritime Training System (RMTS) was established using a $11 million (41%) Good Jobs Challenge Grant awarded by the Economic Development Administration. It is supported by $12.1 million (46%) provided through BlueForge Alliance in partnership with the U.S. Department of the Navy, $850,000 (3%) from the U.S. Department of Labor/ETA - Community Project Funding, and $3.5 million (10%) from non-federal sources.