Laurel Ridge Workforce Student Honored with Statewide Award for Career Success

For Zachary Caudle, what began as a leap of faith to leave behind long shifts and warehouse work has turned into statewide recognition and a promising new career in technology.

Zachary Caudle shares his journey from warehouse work to a fulfilling IT career during the 2025 Virginia Community College System Hire Ed Conference, where he was honored for his success through Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions.

The 2015 Sherando High School graduate was presented with the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Workforce Development – Outstanding Student Success Story at the Virginia Community College System’s (VCCS) Hire Ed Conference on November 14. The award honors a student whose journey exemplifies the life-changing potential of education, showcasing personal and professional growth through the attainment of workforce credentials.

Caudle, now a systems administrator for the Virginia Department of Transportation, got his start in information technology through Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions. After spending several years in physically demanding jobs with long and unpredictable hours, he decided it was time to make a change.

“I was going through the Workforce Solutions website one day and watched a bunch of videos trying to find something to get into other than warehousing,” Caudle recalled. “My youngest son had just been born, so I was trying to find a career. I quit my job, took a chance, and started my journey with certifications.”

That decision led to a series of achievements. Caudle earned multiple high-demand IT certifications through Laurel Ridge’s FastForward and G3-funded programs, which cover tuition costs for eligible students pursuing short-term career training in high-need industries. His certifications include CompTIA A+, Network+, Project+, IT Operations Specialist, Security+, CySA+, ITIL, and others.

Today, Caudle lives in Elkton and works in VDOT’s operations technology division while also studying for a bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing through Western Governors University. His goal is to become a Cloud Solutions Architect—a career path he once thought was out of reach.

“I like my brain being challenged,” Caudle said. “I like the constant problem-solving. It’s crazy to see that if you just put your head down and really want something, how quickly you can attain your goals at Laurel Ridge. It wouldn’t have been possible without this place. It changed my life.”

At the Hire Ed Conference, Caudle was formally recognized for his success, with Shannon Whitlow, Director of Workforce Advising and Coaching at Patrick & Henry Community College, presenting the award.

“Zachary Caudle’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of Virginia’s Community Colleges,” Whitlow said. “Now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing from Western Governors University, Zachary plans to become a Cloud Solutions Architect – and he credits Laurel Ridge and Virginia’s Community Colleges with opening the door to a new future. His story embodies perseverance, purpose, and the power of workforce education to change lives.”

Caudle credited his wife for encouraging him to leap into training and supporting him throughout the process.

“She frequently told me, ‘You got this,’” Caudle said after receiving his award. “You all changed my life, you changed the life of my family.”

Jeanian Clark, vice president of Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education at Laurel Ridge, said Caudle’s story reflects what’s possible when opportunity meets determination.

“Zach is a hard-working young man trying to jump-start his career,” Clark said. “He had the will, but just didn’t know the way, until he found the FastForward short-term career training programs at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions.”

Clark added that Caudle’s full-time commitment to training isn’t the only path. Laurel Ridge’s programs are also designed to meet the needs of working adults who may only have a few evenings a week to spare.

“In just a few short months, giving us just a weeknight or two of your time, these programs are a multi-generational game changer for individuals and families in our community,” she said. “We are so thrilled for Zach and his wife, and we know many more big career moves are ahead for him!”

From long hours in warehouses to a future in cloud technology, Caudle’s story is a testament to the value of accessible education and the support systems that make it possible. His journey is already inspiring others to take a second look at short-term career training and the opportunities that come with it.