What is the Re-Employing Virginians (REV) Training Voucher?
In April 2020, Congress passed, and the President signed, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act). Each state received CARES Act funds to address costs related to the public health emergency created by the pandemic, as well as to provide economic support to individuals suffering from unemployment due to COVID-19 business closures.
Governor Ralph Northam has made available $27M of Virginia’s Coronavirus Relief Fund to provide one-time Re-Employing Virginians (REV) Training Vouchers to Virginians whose jobs have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
When does the Training Voucher program start?
The Training Voucher program begins on October 29, 2020.
Who is eligible?
The signed brief from the Governor’s Office defines eligibility as follows:
In order to be eligible for a training voucher as provided by this request, an applicant must have received unemployment benefits on or after August 1, 2020, or must certify that they are working in a part-time job with an hourly wage under $15 after losing a full-time job due to COVID-19.
Is an individual who works part-time eligible?
Yes, if the individual was laid off from a full-time job due to COVID-19 and is now working in a part-time job with an hourly wage under $15.
(DACA students and dual enrollment students are not eligible.)
How does an individual prove eligibility?
• You are unemployed and received unemployment benefits on or after Aug 1, 2020.
• You had a job that was impacted by COVID 19, and you are either not employed or are working part-time and earning less than $15/hr.
What is paid by the REV Training Voucher?
For qualifying students, the REV Training Voucher will be used to pay for tuition and fees for a short-term FastForward workforce program or for one semester of a credit workforce education program offered by Virginia’s Community Colleges.
What training programs are eligible?
An individual may use the REV Training Voucher to enroll in a community college G3-eligible program designed to prepare him or her for work in any one of five essential and high-demand industries: technology/IT; manufacturing and skilled trades; healthcare; early childhood education; and public safety.
ASSOCIATES IN APPLIED SCIENCE
Administration of Justice
Administrative Support Technology - Medical Office Specialization
Early Childhood Development
Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic
General Engineering Technology
Industrial Electronics Technology
Information Systems Technology
Motorsports Technology
Nursing
Physical Therapy Assistant
CERTIFICATES
Computer Aided Drafting and Design
Early Childhood Education
Industrial Welding
Practical Nursing
Therapeutic Massage
CAREER STUDIES CERTIFICATE
Advanced Manufacturing Technician
Adv Manufacturing-Advanced Films Tech
Advanced Race Car Setup
Applied Mechatronics
CNC Lathe Operator
Computer Service Technician
Cybersecurity
Early Childhood Instruction
Emergency Medical Technician - Intermediate
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic
Foundations of Criminal Justice
Health Technology: EMS
Health Technology: EMS Advanced
Health Technology: Pre-Nursing
Health Technology: Nurse Aide
Industrial Controls
Industrial Maintenance Electrician
Infant and Toddler Care
Internet Webmaster
Justice Studies
Machining Technician
Medical Transcription
Motorsports Technician
Networking and Cybersecurity
Office Assisting
Robotics & Automation
Robotic Welding
Residential/Commercial/Industrial Electrician
Welding
Wellness
FASTFORWARD
Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
Certified Nurse Aide
Certified Production Technician
Clinical Medical Assistant
CISCO Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
CISCO Certified Network Associate
Carpentry - Level 1
Carpentry - Level 2
Core-Introductory Craft Skills
FI4OCP Level 1
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1
HVAC - Level 1
HVAC - Level 2
HVAC - Level 3
HVAC - Level 4
Medication Aide
Pharmacy Technician
Phlebotomy Technician
Plumbing - Level 1
Plumbing - Level 2
Plumbing - Level 3
Plumbing - Level 4
Siemens Automation Fundamentals Certificate
Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program Level 1
Work Zone Flagger
How much does the Training Voucher pay?
• Up to $1,500 toward the cost of the tuition and fees for enrollment in a short-term FastForward workforce program.
• Up to $1,500 toward the cost of tuition and fees for part-time enrollment (11 semester hours or less) in a credit workforce education program.
• Up to $3,000 toward the cost of tuition and fees for full-time enrollment (12 hours or more) in a credit workforce education program.
Please note that funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Does acceptance of a Training Voucher impact my unemployment benefits?
No, acceptance of the Training Voucher is a benefit that does not impact an individual's unemployment benefits. The voucher is not considered income.
Is there a deadline for enrollment?
Yes. Funding for the REV Training Voucher is available now for the Summer 2021 or Fall 2021 terms. Interested individuals should contact their local community college right away in order to meet the enrollment and registration deadline.
Is REV Training Voucher available to students who enrolled in a community college this fall?
Yes, an eligible student who is currently enrolled may receive a Training Voucher for new enrollment in classes that begin on or after October 29, 2020 and conclude by the end of fall semester 2021.
Can an individual receive more than one REV Training Voucher?
No; these are one-time vouchers.
If a student registers but doesn’t attend, does he/she receive a refund?
No; the Training Voucher funds credited to the student’s account to pay for tuition and fees are non-refundable to students. If a student never attends a class paid for with a Training Voucher, the funds will be returned to the state and reimbursed to the federal government.
What if a student drops out of a FF or credit class paid for with an REV Training Voucher?
If a student drops out of a credit class, the college will retain the funds to pay for instruction. If a student drops out of a FastForward class, he or she is responsible for paying the second third of the cost. REV Training Voucher funds may not be refunded to the student.