Use the arrows on the photo to scroll through the entire album. The Career Tech Academy photo album is available here.
Thursday, May 15th was a celebration-filled day as the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) held two completion ceremonies recognizing Career Tech Academy and Workforce Training program completers.
The morning ceremony honored high school students completing the Career Tech Academy (CTA), a dual-enrollment program that equips juniors and seniors with hands-on skills and industry-recognized credentials in welding, HVAC, energy systems technology, information technology, work-based learning (WBL), and entrepreneurship.
Proud families, public school and community college partners, employers, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the students’ hard work and dedication to building bright futures through technical education. Eighty students completed the CTA program and earned 56 career studies certificates from Danville and Southside Virginia Community Colleges, and a combined 215 industry recognized credentials.
SVHEC Executive Director Dr. Charlette Woolridge addressed the students with heartfelt congratulations, saying, “You worked hard, persevered through challenges, and you’ve done something extraordinary. You’ve made the choice to invest in your future and that is admirable.”
The May 15th ceremonies marked a special milestone as the first held under Dr. Woolridge’s leadership as executive director.
Alaina Cash, CTA-IT completer and one of two student speakers, shared how the program impacted her life and career goals. “To be honest at the beginning of the year I really didn’t have a plan to pursue a career in IT. I’m a very artsy person–I love to write and read a lot so I couldn’t really see how IT would fit into that especially since one of my goals is to become an author. Then the year progressed, and we touched a little bit on programming, and I honestly kinda fell in love.”
Cash found that programming could be intricate or simple and was like writing and then seeing her story come to life. Now, she has her sights set on writing programs and plans to enroll in the IT Academy’s Intro to Python Programming class in the fall.
This year’s CTA completers included eight seniors who were enrolled in the Work-Based Learning-Entrepreneurship track. Students learned foundational skills in starting and running a business and completed internships with several small businesses and entrepreneurs. This expansion of the WBL program was made possible through collaboration and funding from the SoVA RISE Collaborative.
Immediately following the CTA Completion Ceremony, a signing day was held for nine students who received full-time or summer job offers. Participating employers were Anderson Outdoor Solutions, Comfort Systems MidAtlantic, USA, Holeman House, Destination Downtown South Boston, and ACE Electric.
Later that evening, SVHEC welcomed adult learners and their families for the Workforce Training Completion Ceremony to celebrate 72 students who successfully completed training in IT, HVAC, and welding. These hands-on training programs provide individuals with the technical skills and certifications needed to launch or advance their career in one of Southern Virginia’s growing industries.
In her welcoming remarks Dr. Charlette Woolridge, SVHEC Executive Director stated, “The Higher Ed Center doesn’t just issue certifications—we launch careers. We provide the vital foundation for personal growth and professional success, and we help individuals, families and entire communities to flourish. Being part of your journey is why we are here.”
Takeita Hepburn, Microsoft Learning and Development Trainer and past IT Academy Completer, served as the evening’s keynote speaker. After serving as a law enforcement officer for 12 years, Hepburn transitioned to an IT career with no prior experience or background knowledge. “I still remember nervously calling to the IT Academy and speaking with Mrs. Kelly (IT Director Kelly Shotwell). She said ‘Hey, your name spells Take IT.’ At that moment a little humor in the midst of doubt made me feel like I might be heading in the right direction,” Hepburn shared.
She went on to recount how nervous she felt pursuing a completely new career. “On some days I was the oldest in the room and absolutely the one who knew the least. But I was determined to show up, work hard, and to learn as much as I could. I tell you this to remind you that no matter where you start, your story is still being written.”
Hepburn went on to say that the IT Academy’s welcoming environment, hands-on labs, and her mindset of being a lifelong learner all played key roles in helping her achieve her goal and successfully transitioning to a rewarding career in IT.
Following the keynote address, completers were called up by program to receive their certificates of completion. Throughout their training, completers in all programs had the opportunity to earn industry recognized credentials related to their field of study.
Together, the completion ceremonies underscored SVHEC’s commitment to providing life-changing educational opportunities that empower individuals and strengthen the Southern Virginia region.”
The Career Tech Academy and Workforce Training Programs are now enrolling for the fall. For more information visit www.svhec.org, email , or call 434-572-5568.