By Michael VanderWerf, Skilled Trades Program Manager, TCC
The Tidewater Community College (TCC) Skilled Trades Academy was created in response to a clear need voiced by employers across Hampton Roads, due to a growing shortage of trained workers in the construction, maritime, and industrial sectors.
Local industry partners, city leaders, and TCC came together with a shared goal: to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals who could support the region’s economic growth. Since opening our doors, the academy has become a hub where education and industry meet, preparing students with the handson training and certifications employers rely on. Every program graduate strengthens the workforce that keeps our region moving forward.
Skills For the Real World
We’re big believers in giving people real pathways to real careers. That’s why we offer apprenticeships that let students learn directly from seasoned pros, earnwhileyoulearn programs that keep a paycheck coming in while skills are being built, and early outreach in local high schools so teens can explore the trades long before graduation, even getting handson simulation experiences. It’s all about opening doors and helping our community grow its own skilled workforce.
Working with our industry partners feels like teaming up with neighbors who care about the same things we do. They bring realworld insight, help us shape training that matches today’s job sites, and genuinely invest in our students’ success. When a partner mentors a student or hires one of our graduates, you can see the impact immediately, it strengthens both the individual and the community. Together, we’re building a stronger Hampton Roads workforce.
Registered Apprenticeships
A Registered Apprenticeship is a paid training program that blends real job experience with classroom instruction, all approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. That “registered” status matters because it guarantees highquality training and a nationally recognized credential. For students, it means solid skills and strong career opportunities. For employers, it means a dependable pipeline of welltrained talent.
Some of our most popular programs are the ones that lead straight to indemand jobs, welding, HVAC, electrical and marine trades training always fill up fast. People love these classes because they’re hands-on, practical, and tied directly to real opportunities in our region.
We also know many of our students are balancing work, family, and everything else life throws at them. That’s why we build flexibility into our schedule with evening, weekend, and shortterm training options. It gives working adults the chance to upskill or switch careers without having to step away from their paycheck. Our goal is simple, making it possible for anyone, at any stage of life, to move forward.
One thing a lot of people don’t realize is just how accessible our programs are. You don’t need prior experience, and you don’t have to commit to a long degree to get started. Many of our classes can be completed in weeks, not years, and most lead directly to industry certifications that employers recognize right away. Another surprise for many folks is how much support comes with the training, from career coaching to employer connections to handson practice with the same equipment used out in the field. It’s not just a class, it’s a launchpad.
An Inspiring Success Story
We see success stories walk through our doors every day. I first met Heavenly over the phone after her number was referred to me by another one of our successful graduates. We talked for about ten minutes, mostly me explaining what the Skilled Trades Academy offers and how our programs are designed to build real, employable skills quickly. Heavenly immediately connected with the idea of learning the basics of welding and saw it as a chance to change her career path.
We scheduled a time for her to visit the academy in person. After touring the facility and seeing the hands-on training environment, she enrolled in our evening 200 hour Shielded Metal Arc Welding course so she could continue working her day job at a local fastfood restaurant.
Within just two weeks, Heavenly stood out. Her ambition, work ethic, and natural ability helped her progress faster than most beginners. She gained confidence, mastered foundational techniques, and decided to take a bold step; she applied to a major shipbuilding company.
They hired her and more than doubled her previous wage!
Heavenly’s success is the perfect example of what can happen when a motivated student meets a flexible training program that aligns with employer needs. Her journey didn’t take years. It took hours of focused upskilling, determination, and the right support system.
Today, Heavenly is building a fulltime career in the ship building and ship repair industry, proving that with the right opportunity and mindset, a new future is closer than most people think.
Stories like these remind us why the Skilled Trades Academy exists. When people gain skills, confidence, and a clear direction, it strengthens not just their future, but the entire Hampton Roads community.
Looking ahead, we’re focused on growth, not just in size, but in impact. We want to expand the programs our community needs most, deepen partnerships with local employers, and create even more pathways for people to build strong careers right here at home. We hope to reach students even earlier, make the trades a visible and exciting option for young people, and continue adding advanced training opportunities that keep pace with industry needs.
At the heart of it all, our mission stays the same: to open doors, strengthen families, and help build a skilled workforce that keeps Hampton Roads moving forward. The future feels bright and we’re excited to grow together. From here, you can go anywhere.
