In 2025, Prince William County surpassed 500,000 residents, marking a steady drumbeat of growth over the last two decades. With that growth comes opportunity as well as responsibility.
Ensuring that employers can access skilled talent, and that residents can build meaningful careers close to home, is essential to keeping momentum going.
Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism (PWCDEDT) has released a comprehensive 2025 Workforce Development Study that provides a clear roadmap for aligning talent, employers, and education partners in support of the county’s next chapter of growth.
The 2025 Workforce Development Study was conducted by TIP Strategies, a nationally recognized economic and workforce development consulting firm with nearly 30 years of experience partnering with communities across the country. TIP Strategies worked closely with PWCDEDT throughout 2025, grounding the study in both data and on-the-ground insight. The project was supported by funding provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
As part of the study’s release, TIP Strategies presented key findings and recommendations to the Prince William County Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday, December 16, providing an overview of workforce trends, strategic priorities, and implementation considerations.
The study found that since the Great Recession (2007–2009), the county has added more than 45,000 jobs, representing an increase of 36 percent. That is nearly triple to the relative increase of the overall Northern Virginia benchmark of 12.9 percent, which includes the county as well as Alexandria City, Arlington County, Fairfax City, Fairfax County, Falls Church City, Loudoun County, Manassas City and Manassas Park City,
"As Prince William County continues our growth trajectory, we take the importance creating more jobs for our residents seriously so they do not have to commute," said Christina Winn, executive director, PWCDEDT. "Workforce has become one of our most important economic development tools, and this study gives us a clear, data-driven framework to support our employers, expand access to opportunity for residents, and ensure our workforce strategies keep pace with the county’s ambition."
The study was informed by
The results reinforce a critical reality: the business community must be supported by intentional workforce strategies that evolve alongside employer needs and the expectations of a growing, diverse population. Workforce development is no longer a supporting function: it is core infrastructure for long-term economic competitiveness.
"This study makes it clear that collaboration matters," said Winn. "As part of this year’s work on the study, we created and hired a full-time workforce position as a strategic step that helps us convene employers and skilled talent. We are excited to welcome Michele Weatherly back to our department as our workforce manager starting in January 2026."
Weatherly, who worked with PWCDEDT from 2019 to 2024, managed both iterations of the ELEVATE talent program and understands the Prince William County business community. She is excited for PWCDEDT to build on its workforce initiatives with partners.
"This study is insightful, and positions 2026 for positive impact," said Weatherly, workforce manager, PWCDEDT. "Our focus is equipping companies with employment opportunities to further drive economic growth."
Rather than duplicating services already provided by schools, workforce boards, or community organizations, the department is positioned to serve as a connector and convener, ensuring workforce efforts are aligned, coordinated, and informed by real-time employer needs.
Five core workforce functions guide this approach:
Together, these functions create a cohesive strategy that supports both employers and residents as the county continues to grow.
Prince William County’s competitive advantage
A key finding of the study is that strong local opportunities exist for workers across a range of skill levels. Many of the region’s fastest-growing jobs do not require a four-year degree, underscoring the importance of technical training, certificates, apprenticeships, and earn-and-learn pathways. Strengthening these pipelines helps employers fill critical roles while expanding access to quality jobs for residents at every stage of their careers.
The study also highlights opportunities to deepen collaboration through industry sector partnerships, targeted upskilling and reskilling programs, and improved career navigation services, particularly for veterans, immigrants, and workers transitioning between industries.
By integrating workforce planning into economic development and tourism efforts, Prince William County is strengthening its ability to compete for investment while retaining the people who power it.