Cybersecurity, Manufacturing, Welding Initiatives In Works
More than $169,000 in Growth and Opportunity for Virginia (GO Virginia grants) have been awarded to Rockbridge County, Lexington and the county schools to support two new workforce development initiatives that will expand career pathways in cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and welding.
The new projects, developed in partnership with Mountain Gateway Community College and the county schools, aim to equip students with industry-recognized certifications, strengthen the local talent pipeline and meet the workforce needs of regional employers. Both initiatives will be based at the Rockbridge Innovation Center, the newly renovated career and technical education facility at Rockbridge County High School that officially opened earlier this year. The modernized center features state-of-the-art labs and training spaces, giving students the opportunity to gain practical, hands-on experience in advanced, industry-standard learning environments.
“These GO Virginia investments will give our students the tools they need to succeed in high-demand fields, while also ensuring Rockbridge County businesses have access to a highly skilled workforce,” said Brandy Flint, Rockbridge County’s director of economic development. “By building stronger pathways in cybersecurity and manufacturing – and by leveraging our new CTE center – we’re creating real opportunities for our young people and supporting the long-term economic growth of our community.”
The county schools, in partnership with MGCC, is receiving $38,227 to launch a dual enrollment program in cybersecurity to prepare students for in-demand careers in information technology. The program will combine classroom instruction and hands- on training with opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+.
The other grant is for $131,128 for the county schools, also in partnership with MGCC, expanding advanced manufacturing and welding training programs. This initiative will broaden certification offerings in both areas, helping students to gain nationally recognized credentials and preparing them for immediate employment or further technical education.
“These programs represent exactly what GO Virginia was designed to do – align education with industry demand to strengthen our regional economy,” said Dr. Phillip Thompson, county schools superintendent. “We are excited to provide our students with handson opportunities that lead directly to good jobs and meaningful careers, and the new Rockbridge Innovation Center gives us the modern facilities needed to make that possible.”
For more information about GO Virginia and the Department of Housing and Community Development and their efforts to supports workforce development and regional economic growth, visit dhcd.virginia. gov/gova.
Flint can be reached through her office at (540) 463-1743 or bf lint@rockbr idgecountyva. gov.
