While Jeff Wayne had worked as a truck driver in the early part of his career, he didn’t anticipate heading back on the road later in life. He had moved on to installing commercial carpets and enjoyed the work. But following a life-altering event, he needed…
When Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) received part of a $5 million grant to help train pharmaceutical workers in the region for a company struggling to access talent, other local employers began to take note. BRCC was attracting a pool of talented students, and Merck, the…
So, you recently started a new job and are working alongside people with years of experience under their belt in either welding, carpentry, truck driving, power line maintenance or another skilled trade. These senior workers possess a deep understanding of the industry, and working with them…
Having worked in the construction industry for over 30 years, it’s safe to say Kristin Juvelier has a robust understanding of the field, with experience operating all types of machinery required for different job sites. However, recently, she was faced with a difficult situation: to keep…
With Virginia expected to receive at least $10 billion for infrastructure-related projects from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, it is no surprise that Virginia’s Community Colleges are working hard to train the next generation of workers to meet the increased demand. The Virginia Infrastructure…
Virginia needs more welders, particularly maritime welders. The state has not been immune to the staffing shortages affecting industries across the country. By 2023, the American Welding Society estimates that the industry will be short by 375,000 welders. With the average welder 55 years or older,…
Virginia’s Community Colleges are gearing up to train thousands of workers to help rebuild the commonwealth’s aging roads and bridges. The Virginia Infrastructure Academy (VIA) will coordinate, scale up and replicate successful infrastructure-related community college training programs. The goal is to produce a total of 35,000…
Carpentry is arguably one of the oldest trades or professions in the world. For millennia, humans have been working with wood to build homes, cross vast expanses and ship goods across the globe. Over time, carpentry has evolved to include new innovative techniques that require the…
While you are working hard earning credentials in the classroom or out in the field, it’s also important to start planning for your next job. Attending a career fair can be a great place to make connections, learn about an industry and figure out your future…
Welding and manufacturing roles play an essential part in our society’s infrastructure and impact our lives every day—from the vehicles that we drive, to the buildings we live in and even the ships that protect us. Experienced welders are highly sought after throughout the country and…