Trades + Tech Education Foundation Ignites Futures at CATEC Signing Day

On May 13, the Trades + Tech Education Foundation helped launch the next generation of skilled professionals by sponsoring CATEC’s Signing Day. Each student honored at the event received $150 worth of industry-specific tools and gear, giving them a head start as they enter the workforce.

Signing Day is more than a milestone. It is a celebration of commitment, talent, and the power of local workforce development. Twenty-seven students from six CATEC programs were recognized for turning internships, after-school jobs, and interviews into full-time careers. Seventeen local employers, including small businesses, major organizations like UVA Health, and two branches of the U.S. military, welcomed these students into their teams.

For students, families, and employers, this event marked the start of something exciting. It was a proud moment that showcased the value of skilled trades and the strong partnerships that help shape our community’s future.