The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) is proud to announce that it has been recognized with the INnovator Employer Award through the InternshipsVA Top Employers for Interns Awards program, an initiative led by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). The award recognizes employers that have developed extraordinary, high-quality, and impactful internship programs that help prepare students for successful careers while strengthening Virginia’s workforce pipeline.
This recognition reflects CCAM’s long-standing commitment to workforce development and talent cultivation within Virginia’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Through its internship program, CCAM provides students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom learning. Interns work alongside leading researchers, engineers, and industry professionals on real-world challenges in advanced manufacturing, gaining exposure to technologies and processes that are shaping the future of the industry. These opportunities allow students to develop technical expertise, strengthen professional skills, and build valuable connections with industry leaders. At CCAM, internships are viewed as a critical investment in the next generation of innovators. Interns contribute directly to research initiatives and collaborative projects involving industry members, academic institutions, and government partners. By providing mentorship, professional development opportunities, and practical experience, CCAM helps students bridge the gap between education and industry while preparing them for high-demand careers in engineering, research, and advanced manufacturing.
The award was presented as part of the Virginia Education and Workforce Conference, where Virginia’s business, education, workforce development, and government leaders gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening the Commonwealth’s talent pipeline and ensuring long-term economic competitiveness. The conference featured the inaugural Top Employers for Interns Awards, highlighting organizations that are making significant contributions to developing Virginia’s future workforce.
CCAM is honored to receive this recognition from VEDP and InternshipsVA and remains committed to creating impactful experiences that inspire, educate, and prepare future manufacturing leaders. This achievement would not be possible without the dedication of CCAM’s interns, mentors, staff, industry members, and academic partners, whose collective efforts continue to strengthen Virginia’s talent pipeline and advance innovation across the manufacturing sector
