The secretary's visit was part of a promotion for the White House's Pledge to America's Workers initiative, a five-year plan to get more companies to offer workforce training and career opportunities for high school students, post-retirement aged workers, and anyone in between.
An Energy Career Cluster will introduce students to career opportunities in energy and focus their education on the jobs needed to meet the industry’s growing workforce needs.
The week of Nov. 12-18 marks the fourth National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting the value of registered apprenticeship to Virginia’s workforce.
One would be quite surprised to learn of all the products manufactured in the Roanoke region that ship all over the world. Night vision goggles used by our military and police forces. Fiber optic cable following oil wells thousands of feet underground, and feeding cell towers our calls and data. Control systems for wind turbines. Railroad cars and braking systems. Keyless entry systems. Fine jewelry. Custom circuit boards. Medical devices, Automotive transmission components, tires and truck chassis. The list goes on and on.
"There's no time for boredom," ITAC Business Development Director Rachel Pest said. "We keep them very busy during this week and they're thoroughly enjoying the competition. And they're getting into running their company and their brand and making sure they have the best quality product."
High school students across the state of Virginia had the opportunity to demonstrate what it takes to be ‘STIHL STRONG.’
On Thursday, local students got a little taste of the manufacturing business in Fishersville. The Valley Career and Technical Center hosted a camp this week in order to get younger people interested in jobs that are in high demand.
The five-day robotics academy, through the Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities, served 24 high school-age students from across Virginia. It took place at the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired in Henrico County last Monday through Friday, serving students with disabilities ranging from blindness and low-vision to autism spectrum disorders and learning disabilities.
While most high schoolers may be taking the summer off, a group of Henry County students are preparing for the future this week.
Learn more about Career Pathways for Individuals with Disabilities and how provides the opportunity to gain credentials and training that will lead to a livable wage and career.