By Amy Taylor
Sponsored by Northern Virginia Community College
As more baby boomers retire, there is an increased demand in the job market for skilled trade workers. Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is training the next generation of skilled workers by offering degree and certificate programs that lead to the right certifications and jobs immediately after completing the programs. Here are some of the trade programs available at NOVA.
HVAC
Getting an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration A.A.S. at NOVA prepares students for state tradesman licenses in HVACR. During their second year of study, students learn skills that lead to leadership positions in the industry.
“In the time of automation and when machines are taking over most minimum wages jobs, HVAC is the stronghold of all the Trades (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing),” says Murim Martin Kang, Program Head. “Our students may find jobs while still attending classes. Our graduating students may be licensed Journey-Level right after graduation (with two years of HVAC work experience), and just a year later be eligible for the Master-level license in Virginia. With some hard work, some of them become Mechanical Contractors and find financial independence by achieving the American Dream of becoming a Business Owner.”
NOVA also offers certificates in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and HVAC-R and Facilities Services Technology Career Studies.
“Students can earn a certificate in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and then go on to pursue an Applied Associate’s degree in the same field,” says Alison Thimblin, Dean of Mathematics, Science, Technologies and Business at Woodbridge Campus. “These stackable credentials allow students to complete a degree, enter the workforce, and have the flexibility to return to earn a higher-level credential when they are ready.”
Automotive
NOVA offers a path for students to take their ASE certifications and begin working right out of school. Currently they offer Automotive Technology A.A.S., Emissions Specialization, Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Career Studies Certificate, and Diesel Mechanics Technology Career Studies Certificate. All of these degree and certificate programs prepare students to get certified and enter the workforce.
The program connects students to people working in the automotive field so that they have a strong network of contacts once they’re in the market for a job.
“We have employers come to campus and talk to our students in the automotive and diesel classes and we also schedule our classes based on recommendations from our advisory board so the students can work in the shops, sometimes as apprentices, and can continue to attend classes,” said Dr. Diane Mucci, campus dean of math, science, technologies and business of the Manassas campus.
Job opportunities are plentiful in Prince William for their graduates.
“According to our automotive advisory board, the need for technicians at all experience levels is in very high demand. This spans across both the private service and repair shops and large automotive dealerships. There aren’t any automotive shops in the Northern Virginia area that are not looking for qualified technicians,” said Mucci.
To work in the automotive field, students need to have a clean driving, criminal and credit record. For those who work hard and are in good standing in those areas will have plenty of opportunities.
“The transportation isn’t going away, it is growing and the demand for skilled technicians and managers in this field is on the rise. Students who take these programs can make a very comfortable living working the automotive industry in many different career paths. If a student is willing to put in the effort that is needed, it is unlikely they would find themselves unemployed,” said Mucci.
Welding
The job market for skilled welders is improving each year as more welders retire. NOVA offers a Welding Career Studies Certificate that prepare students for immediate entry-level positions in the welding trade as welding apprentices or welding laboratory assistants. The certificate is structured so that students can take courses on a part-time basis.
