High school students are extremely conscious of what they wear. Their choice of clothes and accessories often makes a statement. When a select group of Hampton High School students participating in welding classes at Virginia Peninsula Community College started showing off their gear to their guidance counselors, the statement was loud and clear: The first-year program was a success.
“They were proudly walking around here with their welding helmets and gloves,” Kerry Ambrosino, the counseling coordinator at Hampton High School, said of last year’s students. “They thought it was so cool. They were excited to leave campus and go over (to VPCC) and participate in that program.”
The one-semester program, a collaboration between the Academies of Hampton at Hampton High School and VPCC, started with welding in spring 2024. It is geared toward second-semester seniors in good academic standing who are in the Virginia Ship Repair Association (VSRA) Maritime Academy. Students take two traditional classes in the morning at Hampton High School before heading to the Peninsula Workforce Development Center on Butler Farm Road in Hampton for four hours of trades instruction, finishing around 4:30 or 4:45 p.m. They do this five days a week.
While the school system buses students to the classes, students are responsible for transportation home.
“It’s a huge commitment on the student’s part,” Ambrosino said.
Last year, eight students graduated from the welding program, earning four industry certificates. Electrician classes have been added this year, and both trades already have reached their 10-student maximum.
In the Maritime Academy, students have a trades rotation, using space at Hampton High School to accommodate them.
“They’re learning some basics, but we’re not at the place right now where they can earn certifications,” Ambrosino said. “That’s why this partnership has been really beneficial because the students are able to move on and develop that skill set and actually get certifications. And it’s multiple certificates that they get.”
Sean Callender, director of secondary school leadership of Hampton City Schools, said that experience provides students a taste of the profession.
“The wonderful thing about the academies is it piques their interest in where they want to go, and they can figure out what they want to do for careers,” he said.
The program is not limited to those going into the trades. Last year’s students were a mix of those going to four-year schools and trade schools.
Rachel Pike, a welding instructor at VPCC, said these students are being offered a rare opportunity to try their hand at these trades.
“You might have a buddy whose dad or somebody in their family has a welding machine, but they’re never going to quite get the experience of a full curriculum that is trying to teach them the theory, weld symbols, all these other fine details that you really need to know when you’re actually out in the trade,” she said.
Callender is proud of the fact this program can change lives. Once students earn their certificates, they are eligible for employment. He noted welders at Newport News Shipbuilding start at about $35 an hour. That can be right out of high school.
Ambrosino added there is no cost to students. That is covered by grants and Hampton City Schools. If a student were to attend a local trade school, which are few and far between, it would cost about $18,000, said Callender.
“Somebody’s family can be absolutely changed,” he said.
Pike is excited for the students.
“Welding is very cool. You join metal together, and there’s a bunch of fire and smoke and all these other things,” she said. “It’s pretty sweet watching somebody weld.”
For those who don’t want to take the traditional college route or don’t have the resources, it’s a great alternative and can provide a lengthy and rewarding career.
“That’s the part that excites me for them,” Pike said.
Callender would love to expand to carpentry, HVAC and even health science.
“Bethel High School does Health Sciences, and that opportunity is out there as well,” he said. “I just want to take it slow and gradual so we can keep the program viable.”
Callender, Ambrosino and others learned a lot that first year. Their team has had more time to plan this year and is learning how to shuffle student schedules to accommodate those who want to participate. And it’s more than just Callender and Ambrosino. They praised the work of Veronica Hurd, director of the Academies of Hampton; Tamara Behan, a counselor with the Maritime Academy; Travis Riddick from the Maritime Academy, and Hampton City Schools.
“We’ve got a good team working together,” Ambrosino said. “There’s a lot of really great communication.”
And of course, VPCC and its staff, including Bobby Perkins (director of Manufacturing, Skilled Trades and Transportation at the College) and Franz Albertini (director of Enrollment and Retention).
“They’ve been wonderful in communication, and we share files and just keep each other updated,” Callender said. “I just love the collaboration with VPCC and Hampton City Schools.”
Ambrosino said: “What I love about the Maritime Academy is we’re a shipbuilding town. We’re a water town. So, to be able to impact that community, it’s great.”
Callender noted VPCC is working with the Academies to have local companies ready to hire the students as soon as they graduate.
“They’re in high need, so it’s exciting for the kids,” he said.
It would be great, Callendar said, if at graduation, he could say to those companies, “Here are your future workers.”
Ambrosino agreed: “That’s the whole point, right?”