VA HB693

Designates the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement as the federally and state-designated agency responsible for workforce development in Virginia, with oversight of all related initiatives and programs across public and private sectors

Transfers apprenticeship program administration from the Department of Labor and Industry to the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement, including responsibilities for approving apprenticeship agreements, issuing completion certificates, and establishing policies for related instruction

Requires apprenticeship programs for tradespeople (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, carpentry, pipe fitting, boiler making, iron working, steel working, painting, welding) to meet or exceed U.S. Department of Labor standards for registered apprenticeships

Directs the Virginia Community College System to develop uniform instruction for registered apprenticeships in high-demand occupations as determined by the Virginia Board of Workforce Development

Exempts the Department from the Administrative Process Act for initial adoption of regulations needed to implement the transfer, provided a 30-day public comment period is allowed