Qualifying Trades for Virginia Apprentices.

Eligible Trades

VBCTF awards Apprentice Tool Grants to graduating Virginia high school seniors who have completed a qualifying CTE vocational program and hold an industry-recognized credential. These are the skilled trades that feed Virginia's apprenticeship pipelines, union programs, and direct-hire workforce — and every one of them requires workers to show up with their own tools on day one. That's the last barrier between certification and a career. Below is every eligible trade.

For the full list of qualifying courses, course codes, and accepted credentials, download the reference document below.

Download the PDF

Architecture & Construction

The most in-demand skilled trades in Virginia. Electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and carpenters move directly from CTE programs into apprenticeships and union pathways — but only if they arrive first-day ready. That means tools in hand.

Carpentry · Building Trades · Electrical · Plumbing · HVAC/R · Masonry · Cabinetmaking · Heavy Construction

Manufacturing

Welders and precision machinists are among the most sought-after trade workers in the state. Virginia is short skilled manufacturing workers by the thousands — and a certified graduate who can't afford a tool set is a career stalled before it starts.

Welding · Sheet Metal · Industrial Maintenance · Precision Machining

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Automotive technicians, diesel mechanics, and aviation maintenance workers are expected to own their tools from day one. No employer provides them. An Apprentice Tool Grant means a Virginia graduate walks in first-day ready.

Automotive Service · Auto Body · Diesel · Small Engine · Aviation Maintenance · Marine Service

Agriculture — Hard-Trade-Adjacent

Ag Mechanics (eligible only when the student holds a qualifying hard-trade industry credential — not an ag-specific certification)

Not sure if your program qualifies?

If a course appears on the VDOE-approved list and trains students in a traditional hard trade, reach out. VBCTF reviews edge cases.