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Mission & History

Mission & Objectives

The Center for Apprenticeship and Adult Training will serve as an affordable and valuable post-secondary educational resource that connects adult technical training to the current and future economic needs of—and workforce development on—the Virginia Peninsula and provide productive life-enhancing skills.

  • The Center is committed to the objective of providing sequential and comprehensive career and technical training so that area adults may obtain life-enhancing skills that will increase their ability for both initial and continuing employment in an ever-changing job market.
  • The Center has trade advisory committees that meet semi-annually to assist in guiding direction for apprenticeship and adult training. Apprenticeship Related-Instruction consists of training for occupations commonly known as skilled crafts or trades.
  • The Center works closely with the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) and will frequently conduct joint visits to business and industry with the local DOLI representative.
  • The adult technical and health science training courses are designed y for employment into a specific occupation. This avenue provides the necessary skills training in a minimum amount of time.

History

  • New Horizons Regional Education Center was created in 1965 as Virginia Peninsula Vocational Technical Education Centers at the renovated Copeland Park Elementary School in Hampton, Virginia.

  • In 1966, New Horizons began to serve the adult population with continuing education classes and apprenticeship-related instruction. These classes were offered in the evening and on weekends. The adult training program was initially known as New Horizons Adult Education Center.

  • In 1978, the Woodside Lane Campus (pictured in the gallery) in Newport News was built as a second campus to reach the Upper Peninsula population.

  • In 2006, the name of the adult training program was changed to the Center for Apprenticeship and Adult Training.

  • Currently, Apprenticeship and Adult Training classes are held at both the Hampton and Newport News campuses, as well as onsite throughout the Greater Hampton Roads area.