Class offerings include the IT Academy, HVAC, Industrial Maintenance, and Welding
The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) is now enrolling students in its summer and fall workforce training programs. Class offerings include information technology (IT), HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), Industrial Maintenance, and Welding. All training is focused on hands-on learning and provides opportunities for students to learn industry recognized certifications.
Summer courses begin May 18th with an enrollment deadline of May 12th. Fall classes begin August 18th with an enrollment deadline of August 11th. Individuals who will apply for financial assistance need to allow additional time to complete the necessary paperwork.
SVHEC’s IT Academy will offer three summer courses and four fall courses for students looking to start or advance their IT careers. The IT Academy will offer Tech+, Linux Essentials, and CompTIA Security+ this summer. In the fall, students can enroll in two sections of Tech+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Server+, and Intro to Python Programming.
The Tech+ class (formerly named IT Fundamentals+) is the entry point for individuals starting a career in IT. This 10-week course introduces students to a broad range of IT concepts and terminology while exploring career options in the field. Tech+ provides the foundation needed to start and succeed in an IT career.
Linux Essentials introduces students to the fundamentals of the open-source Linux platform. Because Linux is widely used to power critical IT assets, gaining proficiency with the platform is a key skill for IT technicians.
The Security+ class covers the core knowledge IT technicians need for cybersecurity. The class will give students the knowledge and skills needed to identify, analyze, and respond to a variety of security threats.
In addition to IT training, SVHEC offers hands-on programs in other high-demand fields, including HVAC, Welding, and Industrial Maintenance.
HVAC@SVHEC is an eight-month hands-on training program that prepares students to be entry-level technicians. Students gain in-demand skills including heating and cooling, air distribution, refrigerants, and leak detection. HVAC classes meet Monday through Thursday from 5:00pm-8:30pm.
The Welding@SVHEC program may be completed in two semesters and provides training in the welding processes needed to start a career. Students will gain hands-on skills in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Pipe Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW). Through a partnership with Southside Virginia Community College, students have the option of enrolling in the welding program as a credit or non-credit student.
This summer, Welding@SVHEC will offer Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW I) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9:00am-12:30pm or 5:00pm-8:30pm. This class is open to beginners or those who want to learn basic welding to complete work at home or on the farm.
Individuals who want to pursue a career in welding may enroll in the fall welding program. Day and evening classes will be available.
Rounding out SVHEC’s fall course offerings is Industrial Maintenance-Electrical and Instrumentation (IMEI) Level 1. This program prepares students for a career as a skilled industrial maintenance technician with an expanded focus on electrical and instrumentation components. Throughout the course, students will earn multiple industry recognized certifications and hone their skills through hands-on practice and assessments. The IMEI program is offered in four levels providing students with the flexibility to take a particular level or complete the entire curriculum.
All SVHEC workforce training courses and programs are open for summer and fall enrollment. Financial assistance is available. To get started, contact the SVHEC’s Office of Learner Success & Engagement by calling 434-572-5566 or emailing . To view the upcoming class schedule visit www.svhec.org/job-training-schedule.