Virginia Western Community College and the City of Roanoke Redevelopment and Housing Authority are collaborating to host Virginia Western’s Trades & Manufacturing Expo at the Roanoke EnVision Center on Wednesday, October 22, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The Expo is free and open to the public, offering residents of Northwest Roanoke the opportunity to learn more about career pathways in trades and manufacturing.
The event will also serve as an outreach initiative to assess community interest in specific certification programs. Insights gathered from the Expo will help inform Virginia Western’s plans to establish RRHA’s EnVision Center as a satellite campus for select trades programs in 2026. This initiative will help many residents gain access to hands-on training, industry-recognized credentials, and pathways to stable, well-paying careers, strengthening both the local workforce and the economic vitality of the Roanoke Valley community.
During the Expo, participants will have the opportunity to meet with Virginia Western faculty, explore career opportunities with local business partners, and learn about the enrollment process to begin training for a new career. Attendees will also be introduced to a variety of certification programs, including Manufacturing, Electrical Wiring, Mechatronics, Machining, Autonomous Vehicle Technology, HVAC, Automotive, Information Technology, Office Management, and more.
“We at Virginia Western Community College want to break down barriers to education by informing the design of new, accessible, on-site certification programs at the EnVision Center.” Said Amanda Boltinghouse, Virginia Western’s Community Engagement Specialist. “This effort follows the successful blueprint of our existing healthcare certification partnership with CMAA.”
“The EnVision Center is all about connecting residents with real opportunities for growth and stability,” said Lynelle Lewis, EnVision Center Manager. “Partnering with Virginia Western for the Trades & Manufacturing Expo gives our community direct access to training and careers that can change lives. It’s more than an event; it’s a pathway to empowerment and long-term success for families right here in Northwest Roanoke.”