July 30, 2018
Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions is hosting an Apprenticeship Showcase from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 9 at the Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center (the former John Kerr Elementary School), 536 Jefferson St., Winchester.
The innovation center is a partnership of Laurel Ridge, Winchester Public Schools and area industries that will prepare students for the demands of the modern workplace. Laurel Ridge instructors and equipment will be used for classes that offer credentials and credits.
While the center won’t be fully operational for several more years, Laurel Ridge is using the former school’s cafeteria space – the perfect location for Workforce Solutions’ first electrical lab, according to Jeanian Clark, vice president of Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education at the college. She says the high ceilings, hard-tiled floors, concrete block walls and numerous outlets and conduits are ideal for the lab.
“We are so excited to be able to offer Workforce Solutions’ first hands-on electrical apprenticeships thanks to this space at the innovation center,” Clark says. “The first apprenticeship classes will begin in September.”
Besides the electrical apprenticeship program, the showcase will include information on HVAC, plumbing, advanced manufacturing and other trades available as apprenticeships or fast-track career trainings.
“An apprenticeship is a very direct pathway to a high-wage career that allows an individual to come through training with little-to-no student debt,” Clark says. “The length of time an apprenticeship lasts varies depending on the trade. Registered apprenticeships require both classroom instruction and on-the-job training under a master tradesman.”
To learn more about the showcase or trades programs in general, call Workforce Solutions at (540) 868-7021, or visit www.lfccworkforce.com.
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.