Prince Edward County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center is expanding its skilled trades offerings by opening its masonry program to students from neighboring school divisions across Region 8.
Representatives from the Virginia Masons Association, Johnny Holman, several masonry companies, and a brick manufacturer recently visited the PECPS CTE Center to make a generous donation of supplies and support the continued growth of the masonry program.
During the visit, industry representatives met with students from Nottoway and Cumberland counties, answering questions and discussing career pathways and opportunities in the masonry industry. Prince Edward County students will also have the opportunity to connect with these industry professionals as the program gets underway.
The masonry program will provide hands-on training for students from Prince Edward County and neighboring school divisions, giving students across Region 8 the opportunity to develop valuable skills and explore careers in construction and the skilled trades.
Dr. Jones commented, “We are excited about what this opportunity means for our students. When education and business come together, we create opportunities that go far beyond a classroom. We give students the chance to explore careers, develop real-world skills, build relationships with industry leaders, and see a pathway for their future. That is what CTE should be about—connecting students to opportunity and connecting businesses to the talent they need. I love seeing students from across Southside Virginia working alongside our business partners, and I am excited about the possibilities this creates not just for Prince Edward, but for students and communities across Region 8.”
The support from industry partners and the Virginia Masons Association will help ensure students have access to the tools, materials, and real-world connections needed to succeed in the masonry program.
PECPS looks forward to welcoming students from across Region 8 and strengthening partnerships that connect classroom learning with career opportunities.