NEWPORT NEWS, VA – U.S. Department of Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer embarked on her America at Work listening tour in Virginia this week, touring a nationally recognized shipbuilding apprenticeship school and visiting local manufacturers. The Secretary highlighted how President Trump’s pro-worker agenda is creating mortgage-paying jobs while strengthening national security.
“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,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “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.”
“Thank you to Volvo Penta training headquarters located in Chesapeake for graciously hosting our visit with Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer,” said Rep. Jen Kiggans. “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!”
Volvo Penta
In Chesapeake, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer joined Rep. Kiggans for a tour of Volvo Penta’s North American Headquarters and Training Center to learn how the company builds marine and industrial engines to support the U.S. Navy’s presence in the region. The Secretary highlighted how pro-worker provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut, such as expanded Pell Grant access for students pursuing skilled trades, are opening new pathways to stable, good-paying careers for more Americans.
STIHL USA
In Virginia Beach, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited STIHL Inc., a top domestic producer of chainsaws and other outdoor power equipment. The Secretary toured the production line and saw up close how the Working Families Tax Cut is fueling investment at the company through 100 percent immediate expensing for manufacturing equipment, allowing STIHL to scale up operations and create high-skilled positions.
Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School
In Newport News, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited HII’s Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School to tour the shipyard and meet with apprentices benefiting from President Trump’s Executive Order on Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance. Later, she joined a roundtable with community leaders to discuss workforce development and opportunities for veterans to excel through Registered Apprenticeship programs. The Secretary emphasized the department’s commitment to partnering with shipyards like Newport News Shipbuilding to train the next generation of American shipbuilders and protect national security.
Launched in early April, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer’s “America at Work” listening tour is bringing real-world feedback from American workers to policymakers in Washington. Recently, the Secretary completed a six-state swing through New England to highlight the contributions of skilled workers and the importance of educational pipelines in strengthening local communities.
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