Virginia Western Community College
Trade Schools and Apprenticeships in Virginia / Virginia Western Community College
Virginia Western Community College – Roanoke, VA
Program Overview
Virginia Western Community College serves the Roanoke Valley and surrounding Blue Ridge region as a primary workforce training hub for Southwest Virginia. The college is known for aligning its skilled trades programs directly with regional employer demand, particularly in manufacturing, construction, transportation, and building services. Programs are designed for both recent high school graduates and adult learners looking to reskill or transition into stable, hands-on careers.
Hands-On Training & Facilities
Virginia Western places a strong emphasis on applied learning. Welding students train in dedicated welding labs equipped for MIG, TIG, Stick, and flux-core welding, mirroring the equipment used by local fabrication and manufacturing employers. The HVAC program provides hands-on instruction using modern residential and light commercial systems, including heat pumps, gas furnaces, and refrigeration units commonly found in the region.
Carpentry students work in controlled lab environments where they learn framing, drywall installation, finish carpentry, and jobsite safety practices. Automotive Repair students train in fully equipped automotive bays, performing diagnostics, brake service, engine repair, and electrical troubleshooting on late-model vehicles. This lab-based approach ensures graduates are comfortable working with tools, materials, and systems before entering the workforce.
Career Pathways & Industry Alignment
Virginia Western maintains strong relationships with regional employers across construction, automotive service, HVAC contracting, and manufacturing. Many programs are structured to prepare students for industry-recognized certifications, licensure pathways, or direct employment upon completion. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as entry-level welders, HVAC technicians, carpentry assistants, maintenance technicians, and automotive service technicians throughout the Roanoke Valley and surrounding counties.
For students seeking long-term advancement, programs also provide a foundation for apprenticeships, on-the-job training positions, or continued education toward associate degrees in technical fields.
Program Length
Program length varies by credential. Certificate programs are commonly completed in 9 to 12 months, while associate degree pathways typically require 2 years of full-time study. Flexible scheduling options may be available for students balancing work or family responsibilities.
Program Requirements
- High School Diploma or GED
- Placement testing or prerequisite coursework may apply depending on the program
- Ability to participate in hands-on lab work and technical training environments
Cost & Career Outlook
Based on publicly reported data for Virginia Western Community College (Roanoke, 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 Virginia Western 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.