Danville Community College (DCC) continues to distinguish itself as a leader in workforce development, recently presenting at the Virginia Community College System New Horizons Conference highlighting its innovative, employer-driven apprenticeship model as a best practice for colleges across the Commonwealth.
During the session, titled “Bridging Workforce Development & Career and Technical Education: A Collaborative Apprenticeship Model with Industry Partners,” DCC leaders shared how the college has successfully built a scalable, industry-aligned apprenticeship framework that connects education directly to employment.
The presentation was led by a cross-functional team including Jessica Dalton, Vice President of Workforce Services; Dr. DeAndre Howard, Vice President of Academic Affairs & Student Services; Melissa Mann, Dean of Career & Technical Education; Chad Younger, Director of Workforce Services; and Barry Richmond, Apprenticeship Coordinator. The session also featured industry partner Rogers Heating & Cooling, demonstrating the power of collaboration between education and employers.
As a designated intermediary with Virginia Works, Danville Community College plays a critical role in simplifying and expanding access to registered apprenticeships for regional employers. In this capacity, DCC manages the administrative and regulatory components of apprenticeship programs, including registration, compliance, related technical instruction, and coordination with state agencies, allowing employers to focus on training and mentoring their workforce.
This intermediary status positions DCC as a true “one-stop shop,” accelerating program development, reducing barriers for business participation, and ensuring apprentices receive high-quality, structured training aligned with industry standards. The result is a more efficient, scalable apprenticeship model that uniquely benefits both employers and students across Southern Virginia
“Danville Community College is proud to be recognized at the state level for the work we are doing to transform workforce development,” said Dr. Cornelius Johnson, President of DCC. “Our apprenticeship programs are designed to meet real employer needs while providing our students with meaningful, paid career pathways. This model is not only working, it’s changing lives and strengthening our regional economy.”
Registered apprenticeships at DCC follow a structured “earn-and-learn” model, combining paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and leading to industry-recognized credentials. These programs serve as a critical bridge between education and employment, helping to reduce workforce gaps in high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and the skilled trades.
“Our approach is intentional,” said Dalton. “We align training with regional workforce needs, work closely with employers, and ensure that students are gaining both technical skills and professional competencies. Apprenticeships are one of the most effective strategies we have for building sustainable career pathways.”
DCC’s Knight’s Apprenticeship Program integrates both academic and short-term workforce training opportunities, allowing students to stack credentials, from career studies certificates to associate degrees, while gaining real-world experience. The college also emphasizes mentorship, soft-skill development, and ongoing evaluation to ensure apprentice success.
“Our apprenticeship model is built on partnership,” said Howard. “By bringing together academic leadership, workforce services, and industry partners, we are creating programs that are responsive, flexible, and impactful. Presenting at New Horizons allowed us to share that model and contribute to the future of workforce development across Virginia.”
A key highlight of the presentation was the partnership with Rogers Heating & Cooling, whose owners are alumni of DCC’s HVAC program and now actively invest in training the next generation of skilled workers.
“At Rogers Heating & Cooling, we believe the future of the trades depends on strong partnerships and real investment in workforce development. Our apprenticeship program partnership with DCC is more than just training, it’s about creating meaningful career pathways and building a sustainable pipeline of talent for our industry. We are proud to stand alongside DCC in shaping opportunities that benefit both our community and the next generation of technicians.”
“This is what full-circle workforce development looks like,” said Mann. “Students become professionals, professionals become employers, and employers become partners in education. That cycle is what makes apprenticeship programs so powerful.”
DCC’s presentation reinforced the college’s growing reputation as a leader in apprenticeship innovation not only within the region, but across the Commonwealth. As industries continue to evolve and workforce demands increase, DCC remains committed to expanding access to high-quality training that leads directly to employment.
“Being invited to present at the New Horizons Conference is a reflection of the strong partnerships and forward-thinking approach we have built at DCC,” said Richmond. “We are proud to share our success and help other institutions develop programs that benefit students, employers, and communities alike.”
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities at Danville Community College, visit www.danville.edu.
Contacts
