Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions

Trades Open House
2026-09-10 16:00 - 18:30 (America/New_York) | Laurel Ridge Fauquier Campus, 6480 College Street, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
This FREE information session is an open house-style event that will introduce you to a variety of trades professions.” Whether you are planning to register for an upcoming class or you are on the fence about your next career step, come and join us to gain more information. This can be the first step towards an exciting, challenging and rewarding career in the trades.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick)
2026-09-12 08:00 - 16:00, 2026-09-14 08:30 - 12:30, 2026-09-21 17:00 - 21:00, 2027-01-26 17:00 - 21:00 | Laurel Ridge Fauquier Campus, 6480 College Street, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
This class will focus on shielded metal arc welding, commonly referred to as stick welding. Guided by industry expert instructors, students will receive comprehensive training and will learn to perform fillet welds in horizontal (2F), vertical (3F), and overhead (4F) positions. Students will learn basic skills including welding and grinding safety protocols, causes and cures for welding defects, and welding procedures. Using newly acquired skills, students will attempt the D1.1 SMAW plate welder exam aligned with the American Welding Society (AWS). Supplies and testing are included in the tuition for this class. Proper attire, including closed toe boots or shoes, and long pants is required.

Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1
2026-09-14 18:00 - 22:00 | Laurel Ridge Middletown Campus, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA, 22654, United States
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. Structured as a hybrid class, using online homework and live classroom lecture, students will learn the following content: core craft skills, orientation to the trade, heavy equipment safety, identification of heavy equipment, basic operational techniques, utility tractors, introduction to earthmoving, and interpreting civil drawings, using simulator exercises for equipment basic controls, loading & unloading, excavating, and trenching. Students receive hands-on training with state of the art simulators, that replicate real-life operating scenarios through rotation-motion platforms and high-resolution 3D displays for excavator and wheel loader equipment.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
2026-09-19 08:00 - 16:00 | Laurel Ridge Middletown Campus, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA, 22654, United States
This class will focus on gas tungsten arc welding, commonly known as TIG welding. Students will learn on carbon steel gas tungsten arc welding in flat and horizontal positions. Proper use of welding equipment and machinery, grinding, safe machine set up and adjustment, and general safe practices will be the focus as students are taught welding techniques by industry professionals. Using newly acquired skills, students will attempt an AWS exam. Supplies and testing are included in the tuition for this class. Proper attire, including closed toe boots or shoes, and long pants, is required.

Construction Project Management
2026-09-21 17:00 - 20:00 | Laurel Ridge Middletown Campus, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA, 22654, United States
Enhance your construction experience with a credential specializing in Project Management! The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Construction Project Management Certification program is designed to provide you with knowledge of project planning and design, estimating, scheduling, contract documents along with the techniques and technology necessary to be successful. 3+ years experience in the Construction Industry highly recommended prior to taking this course. The class is taught in an accelerated format which requires work to be completed outside of class time, including a cumulative project. Textbook and all certifications included. This class meets twice a week for a total of 22 class sessions.
Pre-requisite: 3+ years of industry experience or successful completion of Fundamentals of Construction Project Management. Complete pre-assessment prior to registration. Construction Project Management Pre-assessment

Trades Open House
2026-09-24 16:00 - 18:30 | Laurel Ridge Middletown Campus, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA, 22654, United States

HVAC Journeyman / Master Exam Prep
2026-09-26 08:00 - 15:00 | Laurel Ridge Middletown Campus, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA, 22654, United States
This course will assist those preparing for licensure by providing a review of material that one might expect to see on the exam. Individuals desiring to work as tradesmen in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), must obtain a license in accordance with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations. The exam includes installation, alteration and repair of HVAC systems and incidental equipment.
Upon registration, students will receive a confirmation email with a list of technical references that are encouraged for this class, but not mandatory. This is the same list of references that students will be able to bring to the actual exam. Plan to register for the Journeyman exam soon after completing this prep class.

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
2026-09-29 17:00 - 21:00 | Laurel Ridge Middletown Campus, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA, 22654, United States
This class will focus on gas metal arc welding, commonly known as MIG welding. Using carbon steel and filler material, students will learn from industry professionals proper welding techniques and disciplines. An emphasis will be placed on welding and grinding safety, welding defects (causes and cures), and welding personal protective equipment. Using newly acquired skills, students will attempt AWS qualification exams. Supplies and testing are included in the tuition for this class. Proper attire, including closed toe boots or shoes, and long pants, is required.

Fiber Optic Technician
2026-09-30 17:00 - 21:00 | Laurel Ridge Fauquier Campus, 6480 College Street, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
The Fiber Optic Technician course is a deeper dive into the world of fiber. Students will review cables and theory before moving into FTTx, emergency restoration, fiber characterization, and latest trends. This course will also offer hours of hands-on cable splicing and termination. Students will sit for the ETA Fiber Optic Technician- Outside Plant Certification Exam. All materials and exam included.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick)
2027-01-09 08:00 - 16:00 | Laurel Ridge Middletown Campus, 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA, 22654, United States

Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1
2027-01-30 08:00 - 16:00 | Laurel Ridge Fauquier Campus, 6480 College Street, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States

Core Craft Skills Heavy Equipment
2027-01-30 08:00 - 16:00 | Laurel Ridge Fauquier Campus, 6480 College Street, Warrenton, VA, 20187, United States
This class serves as the foundation to all trade apprenticeship programs. Students will learn the necessary basics to start a career in any skilled trade. Topics covered in this class are: Basic Safety, Introduction to Construction Math, Introduction to Hand Tools, Introduction to Power Tools, Introduction to Construction Drawings, Basic Communication Skills, Basic Employability Skills, and Introduction to Materials Handling.
