Henrico CTE Now (Career & Technical Education)

2025 was nothing short of extraordinary for Henrico’s CTE! From record-breaking student achievements to powerful new industry partnerships, the growth has been relentless. As we gear up for an even bigger 2026, join us for a look back at the most game-changing conversations that defined our year. Hit play and get inspired!

Episode: Designing Your Future: Career Pathways in Architecture

Architecture encompasses a wide range of fields and areas of expertise. In this episode, professional architects Allison Leighton and Billy Riggs share what sparked their interest at a young age and which CTE skills students can use to build their own foundation for career success.   

Join us for an exciting conversation with Kim Evans, CAD & Architectural Drafting instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor, and her dynamic student leaders, Carter Bush and Quincy Wilson. They break down the world of Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)—explaining its essential role in today's economy. Plus, discover the inspiring journey of how Quincy and Carter found their passion, joined the program, and became key student officers in SkillsUSA!

We visit with Jeremy Davis- Regional Workforce Development Manager, and Curtis Tinsley- Senior Virtual Design Manager at Miller Electric and discuss the "electrification of everything," and how that, with the slow pace of new young people to get into the electrical field and with over 30% of union electricians are due to retire soon creates a perfect storm for electrical contractors. Companies do not have enough workers to fulfill the work needed to be completed, now means salaries are high and still rising. Have a listen.

We recorded this week's episode at this year's #LifeReady Expo and talked with students and businesses who attended. We discussed the event and why it's important for businesses to talk with students about what they need to do to prepare academically, and what skills these companies would like students to have before they apply. It's all about being career and college ready.

Get ready for a treat, dog lovers! In our newest episode, we're wagging our tails with excitement as we sit down with Emily Bracken, Head Trainer and Owner of Dog Lovers Obedience School. We also have Karen Bickett, one of the Veterinary Science instructors at the ACE Center at Hermitage, joining the conversation.

Emily is a shining example of the ACE Center's success. As a graduate of the program herself, she's been training dogs for years, even before she officially graduated! Join us as we dig into how her education at the ACE Center laid the foundation for her thriving business. This episode is packed with invaluable insights for anyone passionate about pets and professional success!

We talk with Tim Price, Critical Environment Engineer, and Eric Polito, Critical Operations Supervisor, both with QTS Data Centers about the explosive growth of data centers here in Henrico and the state. With that growth comes new tech jobs to fill positions in these data centers for now and years to come.

https://qtsdatacenters.com/

In this episode, we talk with Jessica Behmke and Trena Sailer, both members of the Richmond Chapter of NAWIC, the National Association of Women in Construction. They were working with some young ladies who are learning about the different construction trades, not just to learn about them, but to possibly make the trades a career. Sponsored by the Richmond Chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction, Camp NAWIC brings together Trades professionals and middle school girls for an empowering, hands-on, and unique week-long building experience.  

https://www.nawicrichmond.org/

Bruce Tibbetts, President of EMC Mechanical Services, and Neil Mott, Outside Sales Representative for NEFCO, recently visited our students at the new ACE Center at Hermitage. They got a firsthand look at the incredible work our students are doing, building out the second floor of the facility.

Tibbetts and Mott were blown away by the fact that our students are gaining real-world commercial construction experience. They spoke with the students about the vast and exciting career opportunities available in the industry, underscoring the incredible paths ahead for those with this kind of valuable training. This wasn't just a site visit; it was a glimpse into a promising future for our students!