Looking for an In-demand Career with Great Pay?
Change Your Future in Weeks with the Skilled Trades
A career in the skilled trades offers endless possibilities locally and regionally with advancement opportunities. Work in industry, construction trades, or advanced manufacturing to earn a great wage in a high-demand field. Look for our FastForward Career Training Programs to quickly train and receive a credential in one of Virginia’s highest-demand career fields.
- HVAC Technician
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Advanced Manufacturing – Mechatronics
- Welder
- Construction Project Manager
- Commercial Truck Driver
- Fiber Optics Installer
- Power Line Worker
Funding Available
Most of the skilled trades programs are FastForward programs and may also be eligible for the G3 scholarship. Eligible residents who have been living in Virginia for at least one year may qualify for FastForward funding. With G3 programs, you may be eligible for last-dollar funding, bringing your total tuition to $0. Please review the G3 information page, which outlines income and program qualifications and if you think you qualify or if you have any questions, please contact our operations team to get registered.
Additional financial assistance, grant funding, and Sallie Mae loans are available for eligible students.
Visit Us to Learn More
Attend a Trades Open House
Need help deciding or want to confirm your decision regarding future trades classes? These FREE information sessions will introduce you to a variety of professions. Whether you plan to register for an upcoming class or are on the fence about your next career step, come and join us to gain more information. This can be your first step toward an exciting, challenging, and rewarding career in the trade professions.
Learn More/Register >>>
Start Exploring a Career in the Skilled Trades Now
Skilled Trade Courses in Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, and More
The skilled trades courses at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions provide students with the basic knowledge and skills required to apply for entry-level or apprenticeship positions with a variety of companies. Whether you are new to the trade or an experienced professional currently employed, take skilled trades courses to build your skills and start your journey to a successful career in the skilled trades. Learn more about electrical, HVAC, plumbing and other skilled trades.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Become a heavy equipment operator and earn an industry-recognized credential. The Heavy Equipment Operator program was developed to meet the growing employment demands for equipment operators. This class serves as the first level of training in the Heavy Equipment Operator program and includes a Guarantee to Interview with local companies. Learn more about Heavy Equipment Operator offerings.
Construction Project Management
The field of construction project management is diverse and enormously complex. There are several major classifications of construction that differ uniquely from each other: residential, commercial building, heavy highway, utility, and industrial projects.
Learn more about construction project management courses.
Qualified Welding Classes
Ideal for new welders and those who want to enhance their current welding skills, our qualified welding courses are designed to industry standards and prepare students for certification. Learn more about welding classes at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions.
Mechatronics Program
The Multi-Craft program has advanced to the next level to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing technologies. This new Mechatronics program has been enhanced to include training in PLC languages, industrial electrical/mechanics, fluid power, and process instrumentation and systems control. Learn more about Mechatronics programs.
Commercial Truck Driver
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most tractor-trailer drivers operate trucks with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) capacity of more than 26,000 pounds. These drivers are required to obtain a Commercial Drivers License. Some truck drivers deliver goods locally and some over-the-road which spans several states. Learn more about CDL programs at Laurel Ridge.
Fiber Optic Installer
Fiber Optic Installers are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing fiber optic cables and related equipment. Fiber optic installers typically work in various industries such as telecommunications, internet service providers, cable television companies, and data centers. Learn more about Fiber Optic Installer courses.
Power Line Worker Program
A Power Line Worker installs, maintains, and repairs both low- and high-voltage electrical distribution lines and related equipment—often working outdoors in all weather conditions to ensure communities have reliable power and telecommunications service. They receive practical training in line climbing, electrical theory, CDL operation, safety, and more, preparing them for essential roles in the utility industry. Learn more about the Power Line Worker Program.