As the director of manufacturing, skilled trades and transportation at Virginia Peninsula Community College, Bobby Perkins is involved in outreach. On a Sunday in mid-August, he found himself speaking to a group of about 75 students at the VPCC Newport News Trades Center.
“I basically did an overview of our trades program and gave them an idea of everything we have to offer, the cost of the classes, and how much individuals can make if they complete the program,” Perkins said.
The Hampton-Newport News alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. organized the event as part of its Guide Right program. The fraternity mentors high school and college students as part of its community service efforts. The Aug. 16 event highlighted the Guide Right & Skilled Trades Collaborative Initiative, a fledgling program designed to inform students and families of career opportunities beyond the traditional four-year college path.
“They understand with all the students they have not all those kids are going to four-year colleges,” Perkins said of Kappa Alpha Psi.
Also participating were the Hampton Newport News Achievement Foundation and Ferguson Enterprises. Many parents accompanied students to the event, and nine of the students were high school seniors.
“It’s been a pretty successful program,” Perkins said of Guide Right.
The day’s activities included a tour of the facility, where students saw some of VPCC’s Workforce Development workspaces, including electrical, welding, HVAC, plumbing, and facilities maintenance areas.
The collaboration takes advantage of VPCC’s technical training resources, Kappa Alpha Psi’s mentoring aspect, Ferguson’s industry expertise and employment pipeline, and the Achievement Foundation’s support services. The goal, said organizers, is to create a pathway that equips young people with the skills and opportunities needed to pursue successful careers.
Perkins noted the gathering was an enormous success.
“That was the first event, but I got the feeling it won’t be the last,” he said.
