SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA (WFXR) – As per reports, Southwest Virginia Community Colleges are at the forefront of initiatives aimed at bridging the state’s skills gap and meeting the rising need for middle-skill workers.
Governor Glenn Youngkin has recently revealed a substantial increase in the number of Virginians obtaining industry-recognized licenses and certifications. Authorities report a 10% rise compared to the previous year across the state, with almost twice as many applications processed as ten years ago.
As per officials, community colleges in Southwest Virginia, including Mountain Empire Community College (MECC), Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC), Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC), and Wytheville Community College (WCC), are essential in enhancing the state’s workforce and tackling significant job shortages.
“At Virginia Highlands, we are experiencing significant growth in short-term, direct-to-employment credential programs—such as heavy equipment operation and CDL training—that are designed to prepare our students with certifications and practical middle-skill abilities that are highly sought after in Southwest Virginia,” said Adam Hutchinson, President of VHCC.
Dr. Clint Hayes, the president of Southwest Virginia Community College, stated, “At Southwest Virginia Community College, each certificate or degree obtained signifies a student reaching their objectives, a family opening up new possibilities, and a more robust community. We take pride in collaborating closely with our students and regional employers to make sure that the education we offer leads to genuine job opportunities and a long-term effect within Southwest Virginia.”
Authorities state that these four institutions are establishing clear connections between education and jobs by providing practical, career-oriented learning. This matches the requirements of local employers in different industries, such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, technology, and more. It allows them to swiftly respond to workforce needs, and the colleges make sure that graduates are prepared for employment and able to support the state’s economic development.
At Mountain Empire Community College, I witness daily how credentials acknowledged by the industry transform lives. Each new license or certification signifies another student prepared for a solid job, another employer discovering the talent they require, and another step toward a more robust economy in Southwest Virginia,” said MECC President Kristen Westover. “I am honored to collaborate with our affiliated colleges and industry partners to increase opportunities and address the need for middle-skill workers throughout the Commonwealth.
These Southwest Virginia Community Colleges are collectively advancing regional growth, providing businesses with a trained workforce, and aiding communities in flourishing, as stated by officials. Their combined influence highlights the effectiveness of local education in creating a more robust and adaptable workforce for the present and the years ahead.
“Obtaining industry-recognized licenses and certifications prepares our students in Southwest Virginia with the hands-on skills and credentials necessary to start contributing to the workforce right away. Delivering high-quality education and training programs helps satisfy the increasing need for middle-skill workers in our area, and allows students to find jobs, support their families, and improve their overall standard of living,” said Dr. Dean Sprinkle, President of WCC.
Authorities shared the following data regarding the Southwest Virginia Community Colleges:
Mountain Empire Community College granted 501 in-demand certifications throughout the 2023-2024 school year, aiding vital sectors such as construction, engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology.
- Courses like Practical Nursing (LPN), Nursing (RN), and Phlebotomy have achieved high success rates, with over 97% passing the licensing exams.
- Four new initiatives (namely, Machine Operator I, II, and III, along with Community Health Worker) have been established to address the increasing need for graduates in manufacturing and healthcare fields.
Virginia Highlands Community College assisted over 540 graduates in obtaining nearly 800 degrees and certifications throughout the 2023-24 academic year, aiding essential sectors such as healthcare, engineering, manufacturing, information technology, and construction.
- Numerous courses experienced significant growth in student numbers, such as: Welding (67%), Electrical Technology (46%), and Diesel Mechanic (29%).
- New temporary training initiatives have been developed to address the need within the construction, upkeep, and skilled trades sector, such as nationally-recognized Carpentry and Heavy Equipment Operator certifications.
Southwest Virginia Community College granted 714 students with credentials that are acknowledged by the industry during the 2023-2024 school year, aiding vital sectors such as Carpentry, Welding, and Phlebotomy.
- All Carpentry, Masonry, Plumbing, and Heavy Equipment Operator programs achieved a 100% success rate. Welding, CDL, Phlebotomy, and Diesel Repair programs each recorded a pass rate exceeding 94%. The Certified Nursing Assistant program had a 75% pass rate.
- The Fiber Optics Technician program was developed to address the growing need in the job market, alongside various tailored trainings designed specifically for industry requirements.
Wytheville Community College enabled 422 students to obtain certifications that are acknowledged by the industry during the 2023-2024 school year, aiding essential sectors such as Health Care, CDL, Power Line Worker, and Welding.
- The WCC’s Registered Nursing program saw its graduates attain a 100% success rate over three straight years.
- The recent growth of WCC’s Power Lineyard has made it possible to offer more classes.
- WCC’s Industrial Maintenance programs assist local manufacturers by preparing existing and upcoming workers.
- WCC’s Correctional Education Initiatives offer inmates the chance to gain skills and credentials in Welding and Precision Machining.
Authorities state that these initiatives by the colleges in our Southwest Virginia area of the state directly align with the Virginia Community College System’s objective of granting 300,000 credentials by 2030, as outlined in its “Accelerate Opportunity” strategic plan.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This content cannot be published, aired, altered, or shared again.
For the most recent updates, weather forecasts, sports coverage, and live video streaming, visit WFXRtv.
