Paul Steiner from Fairfax County Public Schools shares how Virginia's approach to workforce development and apprenticeship programs has evolved to meet critical needs in trades, healthcare, and technology sectors. He explains the paradigm shift occurring as more young people seek alternatives to four-year degrees that allow them to enter the workforce quickly without accruing significant student debt.

• Programs offer flexible pathways to licensure in fields like plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, nursing, and EMT certification
• Many employers pay for students' education costs, creating debt-free career pathways
• Classes range from 5-25 students with a focus on practical skills and industry certifications
• Modern manufacturing involves high-tech skills like programming automated systems and working with 3D printing
• Finding qualified instructors remains the biggest barrier to expanding program capacity
• Trade careers offer tangible satisfaction from seeing completed work and are highly resistant to automation
• Adult Education programs are open to students as young as 16, with some traveling from neighboring states
• Breaking down "blue-collar bias" remains crucial to helping students understand valuable career opportunities

If you're interested in learning more about Fairfax County's adult education and apprenticeship programs, visit FCPSace.org or search for "Fairfax County adult education" to browse over 800 course offerings. And if you have professional skills, consider giving back by becoming an instructor to help train the next generation of skilled workers.

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