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Build The Future
Written by: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
Area students will have a new way to stretch their minds and explore handson learning this fall when the Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center reopens the doors that once belonged to John Kerr Elementary. The colorful space will allow education in advanced technologies, health sciences, and professional skills with a work-based learning program attached to each academy beginning in the 2021-2022 school year for Handley High School students during the day. In addition, soon-to-be Laurel Ridge Community College will be using the facilities in the evening to provide certification programs for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC trades.
Work-ready skills are already in high demand as employers struggle to meet staffing requirements. The Emil and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center looks to develop marketable certifications for youth and adults to meet the needs of our regional job market. A September 2020 released Occupational Outlook Handbook from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projected employment to grow by 6 ^ million jobs by 2029. Healthcare inEmil and Grace Shihadeh have inspired many dustries are expected to account for a children throughout many states and the Emil large share of the growth as five of the and Grace Shihadeh Innovation Center in Winchester, Virginia looks to carry on that ten fastest-growing occupations are legacy of excellence as we look towards the medically related. However, the labor future of Workforce Development and Career force is projected to dwindle, especial- and Technical Education. ly when it comes to skilled technical Photo submitted originally in the Winchester labor. Employment opportunities Star and published December 7, 2017
