Virginia Department of Human Resource Management

Workforce Development

Workforce Development Image

About Workforce Development

Workforce development is the key to building the skills and capabilities needed to fulfill the mission of state government. At DHRM, we partner with agencies to promote continuous learning and growth, equipping individuals, teams, and organizations for both personal success and collective achievement. Our programs and resources support ongoing advancement and help create a culture of development across the state workforce.

Please contact workforce.development@dhrm.virginia.gov to learn more about DHRM Workforce Development Resources and Programs.


Program Areas

Learning Technologies

In a world where technology continues to evolve and becomes increasingly important in learning, the Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) provides and advises agencies about learning technologies that support the design and delivery of learning experiences. As technology continues to advance, the role of learning technologies will only become more central to creating dynamic, effective, and inclusive learning environments.

The COVLC serves as the Commonwealth’s application for e-learning and training content and provides training management for agencies and employees.

Information and consultation about various learning technologies that may support learning design and delivery.


Leadership Development

Effective leadership is an essential element for ensuring efficient service delivery, innovative problem-solving, and a resilient and productive workforce. Investing in leadership development cultivates the strategic vision and adaptive skills necessary to navigate complex challenges, drive positive change, and build a more responsive and effective public sector for all citizens. It empowers individuals to inspire teams, optimize operations, and foster a culture of continuous improvement that benefits every level of government and the communities it serves.

COVA Leading By Design

COVA Leading by Design is a dynamic, research-informed leadership development program created to help managers elevate their leadership presence and drive meaningful results through six interactive and thought-provoking workshops. In this series, participants will explore the science and behaviors behind high-performing teams and discover practical tools to lead with clarity, authenticity, and impact.

Leadership Speaker Series

Leadership Speaker Series provides an on-going series of short, virtual learning sessions and is open to all people managers across the Commonwealth.

Managing Virginia Program (MVP)

The Managing Virginia Program (MVP) is a robust e-learning curriculum that is available for people managers in the Commonwealth of Virginia Learning Center (COVLC). The curriculum provides a series of e-learning courses that support knowledge of people management activities from hiring to engagement to performance management and more.

To learn more about these leadership development opportunities, contact workforce.development@dhrm.virginia.gov.


Workplace Coaching

Sometimes, we have goals that we want to achieve, a future that we want to create, or changes that we would like to make, but we find ourselves "blocked" by challenges and unsure of how to move forward. Working with a professional coach can help open paths around those challenges and bring your goals to life. The Virginia Department of Human Resource Management (DHRM) offers professional Coaching services for leaders and teams.

Team Coaching

Team Coaching

Provides support for leadership, department, and project teams to unlock the full potential of teams to achieve organizational success.

A Team Coach may help to:
  • Guide teams through complex dynamics
  • Improve team collaboration
  • Enhance team problem solving
  • Establish shared goals and commitments

Leadership Coaching

Leadership Coaching

Provides the support and opportunity for leaders to enhance their leadership competencies and impact with their teams and in their organizations.

A Leadership Coach may help to:
  • Enhance leadership effectiveness
  • Establish and fulfill strategies
  • Manage workplace dynamics
  • Adapt as a new or evolving leader

Coaching is available for state government leaders and teams. How can working with a coach enhance your effectiveness? Learn more from the International Coach Federation (ICF) about how coaching can transform and create your future! Please complete this Coaching Intake Form if you are interested in initiating workplace coaching.

Please see the DHRM Learning Opportunities Catalog for additional information on workshops and training available for employees, teams, and leaders.


Emerging Talent Programs

For any organization to thrive, it's crucial to invest in emerging talent by providing meaningful opportunities, comprehensive training, and dedicated mentorship. As the demand for leadership development programs continues to grow, DHRM is committed to being at the forefront of nurturing the next generation of leaders. Through a variety of programs and ongoing support, DHRM empowers emerging leaders who are passionate about building careers in state government and civil service, helping them gain the skills needed to succeed.

Virginia Management Fellows

The Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) Program serves as a talent pipeline for emerging talent interested in public service in state government. The program is a 2-year rotation program in which Fellows serve in three distinct 8-month agency rotations and complete learning opportunities including public budgeting, analytics, legislative process, leadership, and more.   Contact  vmf@dhrm.virginia.gov to learn more!

COVA Internship Connection

COVA Internship Connection is a unique program that provides centralized programming and support for state government agencies and interns. The program’s mission is to strengthen public service talent through internships, empower Virginia State Government Agencies in internship program development, and foster state government awareness and support intern success.


Learning Resources

Investing in continuous learning and growth is essential for equipping employees with the knowledge and skills essential for personal growth and for providing exceptional public service. Listed below are resources needed for success, including learning policies that guide development, required training to ensure compliance with critical topics, and a learning catalog with opportunities designed to enhance and develop skills.

DHRM Learning Opportunities Catalog

Catalog of learning opportunities available from DHRM for leaders, employees, and teams.

Required Training

Required training for Executive Branch employees.

Educational Leave and Assistance Policies

Commonwealth of Virginia Educational Leave and Assistance Policies

Learning Methods Guide

Guide that describes different approaches for learning.

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