Trades Education | NRV Home Expo

Careers in Construction Corner

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A huge need exists for skilled workers in the residential construction industry and that need continues to increase as more people in the industry retire.

The purpose of our Careers in Construction Corner is to help raise awareness of the potential career paths in construction, local trades education opportunities, and to share available job opportunities from our exhibitors and NRVHBA members. Be sure to stop by at the 2023 NRV Home Expo to learn more about construction careers, test out virtual reality with the New River Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board, and pick up information from the Trades Training Initiative and Build Smart Institute.

For now, you can browse the many options for trades education in the New River Valley and surrounding areas. You can start learning a skilled trade in high school and progress into learning at a local community college, university, or through an apprenticeship program.

Education Opportunities

Build Smart Institute

Brand new trades school in Roanoke offering comprehensive programs for careers in construction and career advancement.

Giles County Tech Center

A program through Giles County Public Schools that offers two-year career tracks for career and technical education.

Montgomery County Public Schools

MCPS offers career and technical education courses in Carpentry and Cabinet Making. They also offer Welding and Precision Machinery programs. Visit their site to download their program of studies to see course descriptions.

New River Community College

NRCC offers trades license renewal programs in electrical, gas fitting, HVAC and plumbing. They also offer career studies certificates in Refrigeration/Air Conditioning and Welding.

Pulaski County Public Schools

PCPS' STEM Academy offers classes in carpentry, electricity and welding.

Trades Training Initiative

The Trades Training Initiative is an industry led nonprofit offering training and career services in Southwest Virginia. Our training network provides flexible, accessible training in Carpentry , HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, Solar, Heavy Equipment and more. We combine in-class or remote curriculum with hands-on learning. Gain experience working for local contractors or through service learning, increase your earning potential and jump start your career.

Virginia Tech

Virginia Tech offers a range of Bachelor's and Master's degrees in programs such as Building Construction (Myers-Lawson School of Construction), Landscape Architecture (School of Architecture and Design), and Landscape Horticulture and Design (School of Plant and Environmental Sciences).

Wythe County Technology Center

A program through Wythe County Public Schools. They offer Building Trades I and II for grades 11 and 12 and Welding I and Welding II for grades 10, 11, and 12.

Wytheville Community College

WCC offers many pathways in the technical trades including Solar Energy Technician, Machine Technologist, HVAC Technician, Electrician, Carpenter, Plumber, and Welding.

Job and Internship Opportunities

Virginia State Apprenticeship Program

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry's Registered Apprenticeship program is an employment training model that produces highly skilled workers to meet the demands of employers competing in a global economy, through a combination of on-the-job training and related technical instruction. Visit their site to learn more and find employers in our area.

Virginia Tech Trade Apprenceship Program

The Virginia Tech Facilities Department offers an apprenticeship program to Facilities employees. The apprenticeship lasts 3-4 years depending on the program. Visit their site to learn more.