CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – Calling them “the backbone of every community”, Charlottesville’s Office of Economic Development has set up a NextGen Skilled Trades Day for next month at PVCC. The city’s Economic Development Director Chris Engel notes in Charlottesville, and throughout Central Virginia, demand is growing rapidly for electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, carpenters, electric vehicle technicians, and other trade professionals. The Trades Day will be Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. It’s a free, community-wide event designed to introduce high school students, families, educators, and jobseekers to the rewarding career opportunities available in the skilled trades.
Engel said, “These careers not only provide strong wages and job security but also offer opportunities for creativity, problem-solving, and advancement.”
“Yet, many young people and career changers don’t get the chance to fully explore these options early enough to see them as viable and inspiring career paths. NextGen Skilled Trades Day was created to change that.”
The event includes hands-on activities and demonstrations where you can try out real tools and equipment in a safe, engaging environment; meet-and-greets with local employers who are eager to share information about open positions, training opportunities, and long-term career pathways; and school and career counselors available to provide guidance on certifications, apprenticeships, and educational programs that connect students to in-demand careers.
“NextGen Skilled Trades Day is all about safely exploring careers that are in high demand—while having fun doing it,” said Todd Parks, Senior Director of Academic Support Services at PVCC.
“It’s a rare chance to actually get your hands on tools, talk to the people who do the work every day, and see what these careers are really like.”
Click here for more information and to reserve a spot.
