Roanoke, Virginia – An open house was organized to unveil a new machining lab at Roanoke City’s Technical Educational Center earlier this week. The initiative aims to assist students in securing employment opportunities in the field.
Virginia Western Community College is relocating its Machining Program to Roanoke City Public Schools. Historically, this program was facilitated at Goodwill Industries.
Kathleen Duncan, Roanoke City Public Schools Career and Technical Education Director, remarked, “Our students don’t like to leave their home campuses to take other classes. Hence, introducing the machinery and the program directly here is advantageous for all involved.”
This strategic move broadens the array of technical program choices available to students in Roanoke, colloquially known as the Star City.
Virginia Western Community College Stem and Workforce Solutions Dean, Amy White, elaborated on the program’s objective, stating, “To provide training so that these students can transition from high school directly into well-compensated jobs, possessing significant prospects for career growth.”
Such trained graduates will be instrumental in addressing the staffing requirements of the region. Daniel Hughes, a retired Director of Operations, shed light on the prevailing demand, observing, “The valley has an acute need for newer, younger machinists who can succeed and learn from their senior counterparts.”
Furthermore, Hughes emphasized the edge this training bestows upon graduates, enabling them to proficiently “run machines, program machines, set up machines,” as opposed to novices who would typically commence their careers learning basic techniques.
White further underscored the potential benefits to the local business ecosystem. As manufacturing entities consider expanding, the presence of a skilled and trained workforce could serve as a magnet. She noted, “Prospective businesses considering this region are keen on ensuring a competent and adequately trained workforce.”
In alignment with the Superintendent’s Equity in Action Project, the school leadership highlighted this partnership as a step forward. Duncan elaborated, “We’re amplifying career and technical education opportunities for all Roanoke City students. This is evident with the inauguration of our new DAYTEC center this fall, and now, the precision machining program at ROTEC at Patrick Henry Campus.”
To further extend the benefits of the lab, plans are underway between Virginia Western and Roanoke City to make it accessible to adults post school hours, catering to those eager to acquire these skills.
