VersAbility Resources is taking another major step toward building a more inclusive workforce for Hampton Roads. GO Virginia Region 5 has awarded VersAbility a planning grant to advance development of the VersAbility TECH (Train, Educate, Certify, Hire) Center — a 75,000-square-foot workforce training hub designed to meet the region’s growing need for skilled workers in shipbuilding, logistics and advanced manufacturing.
With only 41% of Virginians with disabilities currently employed, the VersAbility TECH Center will help close the gap by breaking down barriers to training and connecting inclusive talent with high-paying, high-demand careers. The GO Virginia planning grant will support the creation of an implementation-ready blueprint for launching this transformative workforce hub for Region 5.
Investing in People, Expanding Opportunities
“This project is an investment in creating the future of employment for people with disabilities,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility Resources. “VersAbility TECH will prepare a broader, more inclusive workforce to fill vital roles across our region’s core industries—helping employers meet talent needs while opening doors for individuals of all abilities.”
Casey Roberts, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development at VersAbility and a GO Virginia Region 5 Council Member, emphasized the broader impact, saying “we want employers to see earned credentials as indicators of workforce readiness—not individual disability. VersAbility TECH taps into the largest untapped talent pool to meet the workforce needs of Hampton Roads and beyond.”
Building a Blueprint for Regional Growth
The planning process will result in several key deliverables:
- A universal-design architectural site plan for the 75,000-square-foot facility, ensuring full accessibility.
- Employer-aligned training pathways in welding, logistics, marine coatings and related trades.
- Formation of an advisory group representing industry, education and inclusion partners.
- An industry-vetted implementation roadmap guided by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council’s Talent Pathways Initiative (TPI) reports.
Regional employers, including Huntington Ingalls Industries, Liebherr and the Port of Virginia have already identified persistent skilled trades shortages and are collaborating with VersAbility on curriculum development and advisory efforts.
VersAbility’s experience in training is already making an impact — the organization has graduated 24 welders and offers weekly forklift training, demonstrating strong readiness for expansion. Earlier this year, a regional advisory “think tank” convened by VersAbility confirmed widespread support for the TECH Center initiative.
Strengthening the Region’s Competitiveness
“For a region to be competitive and grow, it must train and retain talent, particularly in its core industries,” said Tom Frantz, Chair of GO Virginia Region 5. “The VersAbility TECH Center and this program should play an important role in strengthening Hampton Roads, its workforce and its core industries.”
Once the planning phase is complete, VersAbility will be positioned to pursue a GO Virginia Per Capita Implementation Grant—paving the way to launch a scalable, inclusive workforce hub that strengthens regional competitiveness and expands economic opportunity for all.
