Northern Virginia Community College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Virginia / Northern Virginia Community College
Northern Virginia Community College – Annandale, VA
Program Information
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) provides career-focused technical training designed to meet the workforce needs of Virginia’s rapidly growing skilled trades sector. The Annandale campus offers hands-on programs in HVAC, Welding, and Carpentry, each built to prepare students for immediate employment or advancement into apprenticeships. Students benefit from modern training labs, industry-experienced instructors, and curricula aligned with current workplace expectations across construction, mechanical systems, and fabrication fields.
The HVAC program offers comprehensive training in heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems for both residential and commercial environments. Students learn installation, troubleshooting, electrical controls, refrigeration cycles, ductwork design, system diagnostics, and preventive maintenance practices. The program emphasizes safety, environmental considerations, and industry standards, offering preparation for certifications such as EPA 608 and HVAC Excellence credentials. Graduates are well equipped for positions as HVAC installers, maintenance technicians, or apprentices within regional mechanical companies.
The Welding program trains students in multiple processes including MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-core welding. Students practice in dedicated welding labs where they learn fabrication, metal cutting, joint preparation, blueprint reading, and shop safety. The curriculum also prepares students for American Welding Society (AWS) certification testing, helping them qualify for jobs in manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction, automotive repair, and industrial fabrication. NOVA’s partnerships with regional employers strengthen job placement and career support for welding graduates.
The Carpentry program focuses on the fundamental skills required for employment in residential and commercial construction. Students receive training in framing, interior and exterior finishing, blueprint interpretation, jobsite safety, and the use of modern construction tools and equipment. Coursework mirrors real-world carpentry tasks, giving students experience with structures, layouts, floors, walls, roofing, and specialty woodworking elements. Graduates are prepared for roles as carpentry helpers, construction laborers, or apprentices with local unions and contractors.
All programs at NOVA emphasize real-world learning, industry standards, and employability. Students benefit from flexible scheduling options, career advising, and connections with employers across Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.
Program Length
Most technical programs take 1 to 2 years to complete, depending on whether a student pursues a certificate or associate degree.
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Basic math, reading, and problem-solving skills
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Northern Virginia Community College (Annandale, VA) — U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Program Type: Primarily Certificate or Associate Programs
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
Median Earnings (10 yrs)
Time to Earn It Back
ROI Grade
About this data: Tuition and earnings are averages from federal College Scorecard data for comparable programs at Northern Virginia Community College. Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies. Earnings reflect median salaries ten years after entering the institution. This helps estimate how quickly your training can pay off in real-world wages.
Step-by-Step Career Guides
The programs and apprenticeships listed on this page relate to hands-on skilled trades. Explore the guides below to learn about training paths, licensing, salaries, and what to expect in each career field.