Skilled Trades

Prepare for careers in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, heavy equipment, apartment maintenance, fiber optics and other skilled trades.

How to Get Started

Most skilled trades pathways at CCWA start with NCCER CORE, a 40-hour introductory course that teaches the basic skills you'll need before moving into a trade.

You'll learn:

Hand and power tools
Construction math
Construction drawings
Jobsite safety
Basic employability skills

After completing CORE, you continue into training for careers such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing or heavy equipment operation. Three programs do not require CORE: Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician, Fiber Optics Installer, and Lead Abatement. You can register for those directly.

HVAC

Electrical

Plumbing

Heavy Equipment Operator

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician

Fiber Optics Installer

Lead Abatement

Why Train with CCWA

Start Without Previous Experience

Many programs are designed for students entering the trades for the first time.

Train in Weeks, Not Years

Many CCWA skilled trades programs can be completed in one semester or less.

Learn by Doing

Build practical skills through hands-on labs, equipment and trade-specific training.

Earn Recognized Credentials

Many programs lead to NCCER or other industry-recognized credentials that can support your next step into the workforce.

HVAC, Electrical & Plumbing Apprenticeship Training

Level 1 is the entry-level trade course and is approved as the first year of related technical instruction for a four-year apprenticeship.
Most licensed tradespeople in Virginia complete a four-year apprenticeship that includes four levels of classroom instruction.
CCWA offers all four levelsof training for HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing.
These trades programs meet the classroom training requirements for a state-registered apprenticeship. However, enrollment in a CCWA course does not place you into a state-registered apprenticeship. Registered apprenticeships are established between the apprentice and a participating employer.
Students beginning one of these pathways complete:
- NCCER CORE: 49 hours
- Level 1: 95 hours
- Total CORE + Level 1 training: 144 hours

What funding options are available?

Most skilled trades programs qualify for tuition assistance. What you pay depends on the program and your eligibility.

FastForward

Eligible Virginia residents may receive Fastforward funding that covers two-thirds of tuition for qualifying programs.

G3 Initiative

Income-qualified students enrolled in eligible G3 programs may receive G3 funding toward the remaining tuition cost.

Additional scholarships for FANTIC, trades-specific, and other scholarships may apply. Contact us to find out which ones you qualify for.

Questions

Contact our staff at 804-523-2292 for registration assistance. Additional financial aid and grant funding may be available for eligible students.

Helpful Documents

CCWA Registration Packet

FANTIC G3 Application and Procedure

Course Catalog

Frequently Asked Questions

Can tuition assistance help pay for my training?: FastForward covers two-thirds of tuition for most programs. Scholarships from FANTIC, Re-Employ Virginia and trades funds may cover more. Call us and we'll tell you what applies to you.

Are classes taught in person or online?: Both. Most trades classes are hybrid. You'll be in the lab for hands-on work and online for coursework, so you need reliable internet.

Do I need experience?: No. CORE, Fiber Optics Installer and Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician all start from zero.

Do you place students in jobs?: We don't guarantee placement. We do prepare you for apprenticeship and job interviews, and we work with employers across the state. Our trades graduates have gone on to James River Air, Tribble Electric, eTEC Mechanical, ColonialWebb, Atlantic Constructors, Woodfin/EMC, ITAC and Rudy Hawkins Electrical.

What is NCCER?: The National Center for Construction Education and Research. It's the credentialing body most construction and industrial employers recognize. NCCER credentials are portable — they follow you to any employer, in any state.

Have Questions About Skilled Trades Training?

Not sure which program is right for you?
Our Skilled Trades team can help you understand your options and next steps.

John McGarry
Coordinator, Trades & Construction

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