News & Notices
Virginia Technical Institute Announces Enrollment Milestone
Student enrollment at Virginia Technical Institute jumped from 176 in the Spring Semester of 2012 to 224 this semester—a 27% increase. This brings total enrollment at VTI to 400 for the current academic year--a year-over-year increase of 44%. According to Executive Director Keith Harkins, “students understand our most popular classes--welding, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC-- put them on a fast-track to employment. Industrial Maintenance has been a popular addition to our line-up as well.” Much of the increase can be attributed to word-of-mouth recommendations from students. Harkins also pointed out; “Our students serve as our greatest marketing tool. If we provide them with quality training which leads to employment, they spread the word. Once students understand they will spend 100% of their time at VTI on their trade, they get it. They understand how much more quickly they can learn a trade when it is the only class they have to take.”
In partnership with the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), VTI provides hands-on instruction in a 75,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility in Altavista.
Virginia Technical Institute Announces 2012 Graduating Class
Today, VTI is proud to announce its inaugural graduating class. Seventeen students will proudly complete their journey this semester in areas such as Welding, Plumbing, and HVAC.
Delegate Kathy Byron will give the inaugural commencement address during the ceremony to be held at VTI’s state-of-the-art facility in Altavista VA.
Virginia Technical Institute Announces Lab Dedication
Today, VTI is proud to announce the dedication of the Harry E. Harkins Tool Lab.
The state-of-the-art lab was dedicated in memory of Harry Harkins, a man who rarely traveled without his tools. Harry was generous with his time and was always willing to share his gifts as an electrician, carpenter, and plumber with family and friends who needed his help. He always carried his tools in his car, and when he visited his four children, he usually worked through a punch list of various repairs. Harry had a wonderful sense of humor and would often spend days planning a practical joke on an unsuspecting family member or friend.
This generous gift will enable countless others to reap the personal and professional rewards resulting from a technical education. Harry would have been proud to be a part of enriching the lives of others in such an enduring fashion.