LFCC Workforce Solutions hosting apprenticeship showcase August 9th

LFCC 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 LFCC, Winchester Public Schools and area industries that will prepare students for the demands of the modern workplace. LFCC 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, LFCC 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.