HVAC/R Career Track Program
This program prepares the individual to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain, and repair heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.
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Accelerated Education Courses
Whether you need education hours to qualify for your trade exam, continue your education hours to renew your license, or want to sharpen your knowledge base, Virginia Technical Academy has courses for the experienced technician.
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Career Services Support
Professional and networking support for students and graduates. Secure your next position in the trades with help from VTA!
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GI Bill®️ Funding Accepted
VTA has graduated 19 veterans using GI Bill® funding over the past year. The GI Bill® can help cover tuition as well as housing needs for United States veterans and their dependents. Learn more about how the GI Bill® could help you on your trade school journey.
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Career Paths

Secure Your Future in a High-Demand Trade

Download Course Catalogue

HVAC

Learn more about our HVAC training and certification courses

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ELECTRICAL

Learn more about our Electrical training and certification courses

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Plumbing

Learn more about our Plumbing training and certification courses

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Appliance Repair

Learn more about our Major Appliance Technology training and certification courses

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BUILDING/PROPERTY Maintenance

Learn more about our Building/Property Maintenance training and certification courses

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Of Trades Jobs Unfilled in Hampton Roads

2020-2026

The Virginia Department of Labor Industries predicts the average unfilled demand for skilled tradesmen in Hampton Roads to be 35-40% from 2020 through 2026. We will soon find a significant shortage of qualified technicians.

Accelerated Education

Certifications

Certificate Courses

These 1-2 day courses are designed to provide the foundational knowledge and training students need to prepare for their certification tests.

Certification Testing

We provide exam proctoring services for industry-recognized certification tests.

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Take it With You

Fully Accredited Virginia Trade School

Virginia Technical Academy was founded on the principle that every community needs a skilled and well-educated workforce. Our goal is to provide an environment that will exceed the educational requirements and needs of both future tradespeople and their employers. We are dedicated to keeping our trades strong through education, validation, and professional networking. We offer fully accredited courses in:

Building/Property
Maintenance

What Our Students Say

Michael Newberry

Virginia Technical Academy has taught me a lot over the course of five months. During level one, two and three, I have learned about circuit breakers, fuses, wiring methods. How to set up a breaker box and how the currents work. The school and its staff have been a huge help and I couldn’t thank them enough. One of the most interesting subjects I learned in class was about motors (AC-DC) capacitors. Never knew how it all worked. The first time that I came to this school, I had some knowledge but didn’t know anything else. Nick helped me understand the material and advanced my knowledge in the trade. The president, Dave Gillespie, works hard for the school and he always makes sure that his students pass. Over the course of level one and two, I am more confident in what I have gained. I would absolutely recommend people to attend Virginia Technical Academy.

Michael Newberry

Lovey Carter

First and most important, I have not met anyone who has not gone out of their way to assist me with anything that I needed help with. If they didn’t have the answer, they found the answer. I have learned so many things in this course. My confidence with working with my hands and tools has increased. My instructor, Tal, is awesome. He is patient and thorough. Will is just as awesome and I am learning in his fast-paced class. I also cannot forget Gwen and Ryan who work tirelessly to ensure things run smoothly for our class. If you are looking for a trade school, VTA is it.

Lovey Carter

Nick Mobley

From the day I first toured VTA as a prospective student, it was clear that this was a unique offering within the Hampton Roads area. Few if any others offer such an in-depth, hands-on approach to learning the trades. The faculty here is knowledgeable, approachable, and always willing to share their experience in the field, or dedicate some time to help a student who is struggling or answering questions. I’d absolutely recommend Virginia Technical Academy to anyone in Hampton Roads looking to start – or expand – their career in the trades.

Nick Mobley

Zachary Stallings

I enjoy everything about this program, and I am so happy that I decided to join. College was not the move for me so I couldn’t be more happy to have found this as an alternative. The staff is incredible and made it very welcoming for all the students. I cannot wait to see where I am in these next few months.

Zachary Stallings

Colton Decard

I have had the best experience at Virginia Technical Academy. I came into the apprenticeship program with no experience and I feel like I have learned so much about electricity and the trade. Dave and the other instructors go out of their way to make sure the students are getting the knowledge and hands (on) experience needed to be successful after completing the apprenticeship. The passion and professionalism from the instructors and staff (are) one of a kind and you won’t find it anywhere else. Thanks, VTA for helping me be the best I can in the electrical trade.

Colton Decard

Lisa Watson

I began this apprentice program in late May. Because of the COVID crisis, I started with the online program. I found that being able to learn at my own pace was extremely helpful during the summer months because I have 3 kids and we were all staying home. Once the school was able to open, I did come in to get some of my hands-on instruction and practicals done. I immediately found that in person learning makes a huge difference in my understanding of the lessons. I was able to ask questions and get clarification on the material in real time. Although I had already completed levels 1 & 2 through the online instruction, I decided it would benefit me to sit in class & receive actual instruction. It absolutely has! Where before I had a somewhat understanding of the material, now having been in the class, I can say with confidence that I get it. And as I am training to be an electrician, getting and understanding the material is extremely important.

Lisa Watson