Dave Gillespie – Virginia Technical Academy Providing Hands-On Technical Training
Dave joined the Coast Guard at the age of 17. He spent 20 years on active duty. Called back to active duty from retirement after 9/11 Dave served again from 2003-2005. He came to realize that his hands-on training was unique in learning to be an electrician. After his second retirement he opened the Blue Crab Appliance and then the TruBlue Appliance Repair company. He saw the need for more skilled technicians in the technical fields. He started teaching repair classes out of his retail store. The demand for these classes continued to grow. As a result, the Virginia Technical Academy was founded.
Virginia Technical Academy
“On August 14, 2018, Virginia Technical Academy was established as a post-secondary education school, approved and certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia as a post-secondary educational facility.” The Virginia Technical Academy provides hands-on technical training. It also provides a network of support for HVAC technicians, electricians, plumbers, appliance technicians and facilities management technicians. The unique curriculum is over 50% hands-on. This approach sets students up for success in their new fields. Dave’s goal “is to have the best trade school and make it available for all with or with out a high school degree.” Out of the first graduating class of 110 students, 99 of them had a job before graduation. They are working on getting certified to be able to accept the GI Bill.
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Virginia Technical Academy: https://vtacademy.com/
Phone Number: 757-260-3351
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