Laurel Ridge Community College Marketing Director Guy Curtis and Laurel Ridge Community College Workforce Solutions trades program manager AnnaJane Cribbs, along with Donna Comer, who serves in a joint role as program manager at the college and workforce coordinator for the county, appeared on The River 95.3’s Valley Today to discuss the grand opening of the Skilled Trades Center at our Fauquier Campus and what that means for trades education in the region.
Donna highlighted Fauquier County’s role in establishing the Skilled Trades Center, which will be equipped with new labs for welding and construction project management. The opening of the Skilled Trades Center has led to an increase in student interest, which will lead to a larger applicant pool and new hiring opportunities for employers. Donna and AnnaJane hands-on nature of the labs, available equipment, and plans to expand the welding program to the Fauquier campus.
Donna highlighted the growing demand for welding skills across various industries, and shared the center will offer a range of classes tailored for both enthusiasts and those pursuing welding as a career. AnnaJane explained the various funding opportunities, such as Fast Forward and G3, that provide substantial tuition relief for eligible Virginia residents.
Laurel Ridge is hosting trades information sessions in the New Year, Guy said. The first session is 5 – 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, at the Fauquier Campus, and the second one is 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 24, at the Middletown Campus. Guy encouraged attendees to bring along interested family members and friends to these sessions to explore the college’s programs and facilities.