Rappahannock Community College Awarded GO Virginia Grant to Address Regional Manufacturing Workforce Needs
Rappahannock Community College (RCC), in partnership with Turn Dynamics and Lancaster County, has been awarded a GO Virginia grant to develop a CNC machining training program designed to address critical workforce shortages in advanced manufacturing across the region.
The initiative grew out of a need for skilled workers in the region. Turn Dynamics, a Kilmarnock-based advanced manufacturing company, identified a pressing need for skilled machinists to support both current operations and future growth.
“The biggest hurdle for us was the lack of trained machinists in our local area,” said Doug Bishoff, co-owner of Turn Dynamics. “We knew we needed not only a training program, but also a way to introduce young people to modern manufacturing as a viable and rewarding career path.”
Recognizing that this challenge extended beyond a single company, Lancaster County Economic Development brought together regional and state partners to explore solutions. Through a series of meetings with workforce agencies and RCC, the concept for a collaborative training program began to take shape.
“In our early conversations with Turn Dynamics, it became clear that their ability to grow was directly tied to access to skilled workers,” said John Bateman, Economic Development Director and Assistant County Administrator for Lancaster County. “This project is about aligning education, industry, and workforce resources to meet both current and future demand. It’s a model for how we can build a sustainable, home-grown talent pipeline.”
At the center of the initiative is a 180-hour CNC Machining training program that will provide hands-on instruction in precision measurement, shop math, safety, metal cutting, quality control, and equipment operation. Participants will also have the opportunity to earn National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) credentials, preparing them for immediate employment.
“This project is a direct response to what our local employers are telling us,” said RCC President Dr. Shannon Kennedy. “By working closely with Turn Dynamics and Lancaster County, we are creating a program that prepares students for in-demand careers while supporting the long-term growth of our regional economy.”
A key component of the partnership is the establishment of a CNC Training Center in Lancaster County, expanding access to technical training in the community where the need is greatest. Turn Dynamics will play an active role by providing industry insight, equipment, and opportunities for students to engage in real-world learning.
The program will also include internships, job shadowing, and upskilling opportunities for current workers—further strengthening the connection between education and industry and ensuring employers have access to a skilled and adaptable workforce.
The total project budget is $673,816, with $431,575 provided through a GO Virginia grant and $242,241 in matching funds from partners, including the RCC Educational Foundation, Lancaster County Economic Development Authority, Gloucester, West Point, Northumberland, King and Queen, and Middlesex counties.
This collaborative effort reflects a shared commitment to solving workforce challenges through partnership—ensuring local businesses have the talent they need while creating meaningful career pathways for residents.