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Bisbee Honda Launches Automotive Technician Youth Apprenticeship Program

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Bisbee Honda Launches Automotive Technician Youth Apprenticeship Program

Bisbee Honda Launches Automotive Technician Youth Apprenticeship Program

Three rising Danville Public Schools seniors hired during signing ceremony

On Wednesday, April 30, Bisbee Honda of Danville celebrated the launch of its Automotive Technician Youth Apprenticeship program with a signing ceremony at their location. Three rising seniors from Danville Public Schools officially signed on as the first apprentices in the program, which was supported by the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) program led by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR). 

This youth apprenticeship program is the first of its kind in Danville, providing local youth with the opportunity to work in the automotive industry while gaining hands-on experience and developing their skills for successful careers in this high-demand field while still in high school. The event coincided with National Apprenticeship Day, which celebrates the growing importance of registered apprenticeships in providing industry-recognized credentials and clear career pathways.

“Danville Public Schools is very grateful to Bisbee Honda for the partnership. It’s great to be a part of this opportunity for students to reach their potential. This apprenticeship program will enable our students, and others following, to pursue their dreams and become productive members of society.” – Dr. J. Ako Barnes, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, Danville Public Schools

“I completed the same automotive technician program with Danville Public Schools 20 years ago, so I understand the importance of this. I am super excited to have these guys, and super excited to give back.” – Chris Graham, Parts and Service Director, Bisbee Honda

The event also included remarks from key partners, showcasing the program’s potential to transform the local workforce by offering essential career experience to high school seniors.

The apprenticeship program was developed with support from the Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship (ExTRA) initiative, which is designed by IALR to help employers across Southern Virginia create and implement state-registered apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training, related technical instruction (which is classroom instruction) and paid employment. As the “pinnacle” of work-based learning, registered apprenticeships equip participants with the skills needed to succeed in high-demand industries.

IALR’s ExTRA program is increasing apprenticeship opportunities across multiple sectors, initially focusing on construction, healthcare, early childhood education, manufacturing and information technology. Since 2022, ExTRA has helped register 111 apprentices and establish 33 apprenticeship programs with 26 different employers. With many more programs in development, ExTRA continues to expand its impact in the region.

“This apprenticeship program is part of a larger effort to provide young people with opportunities to gain valuable skills while addressing workforce needs in key industries,” said Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator at IALR. “By helping employers implement these programs, we ensure that students not only receive high-quality training but are also able to contribute to the local economy as skilled workers.”

Businesses that are interested in learning about apprenticeships can visit the ExTRA website and contact Natori Neal.

About IALR 

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville. 

AspHIRE Mock Interview Day

AspHIRE Mock Interview Day

25 Danville Students Participate in AspHIRE Mock Interview Day

On April 25, 2025, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) hosted the AspHIRE Mock Interview Day, providing a valuable opportunity for 25 high school students from Danville Public Schools to develop and refine their interview and workplace readiness skills. This event, part of the region’s effort to connect students to local career opportunities, was supported by IALR with additional support from local employers and professionals who volunteered their time.

Students participated in a series of mock interviews with local professionals, gaining insight into the expectations and nuances of the interview process. These hands-on experiences gave students a real-world understanding of the job application process, helping them to build confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.

These Danville Public Schools students have applied for summer internships through the Danville Summer Experience Works Internship Program.

A Day of Learning and Networking

In addition to the mock interviews, students engaged in work-readiness sessions covering important topics such as professionalism, time management, communication and personal branding. The event also included a networking luncheon, where students had the chance to meet and interact with local professionals and peers, further expanding their professional network.

“The AspHIRE Mock Interview Day continues to help students develop the skills necessary for success in the workplace,” said Jessie Vernon, Director of Employer Engagement and Experiential Learning at IALR. “We’re proud to support these students as they prepare for their careers and look forward to seeing the impact this experience has on their future professional journeys.”

AspHIRE Mock Interview Day is part of IALR’s ongoing efforts to provide career readiness opportunities through its EmPOWER framework. By connecting students with local professionals and offering hands-on learning experiences, IALR is helping to equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive in today’s workforce.

Filling the Gap: STEM Career and Technical Education for 9th and 10th Grade

Filling the Gap: STEM Career and Technical Education for 9th and 10th Grade

Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) Career Connections Labs are now in 52 middle schools statewide, exposing approximately 9,000 students annually to career opportunities like welding, precision machining, automation and robotics, metrology, mechanical engineering and much more. The goal of this program, administered by the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), is to introduce the students pathways and funnel them toward existing training programs and opportunities in those sectors.

However, in most school divisions in Virginia, STEM-focused career and technical education lags in 9th and 10th grade before hyper-focusing again in 11th and 12th grade. To fill that gap, the GO TEC team is working with several Southern Virginia school divisions to implement impactful STEM-focused career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for 9th- and 10th-graders. These pilot partners of GO TEC and IALR include Danville Public Schools, Pittsylvania County Schools and Henry County Public Schools.  

“We’re getting young people exposed to these opportunities and excited about them, but how can we continue that in 9th and 10th grade?” – Julie Brown, Ph.D., Vice President, Advanced Learning, IALR

Memorable Middle School Introductions  

Those Career Connections Labs are part of the GO TEC program, which stimulates job growth within the Commonwealth by creating dependable talent pipelines in strategic, STEM-focused sectors. Made possible by robust public-private partnerships, GO TEC exemplifies IALR’s goals of connecting students to careers and expanding STEM capacity.  

IALR serves as GO TEC’s fiscal agent and program lead. Partners, including K12 school systems, higher education, industry and economic development, support and guide GO TEC. 

  Electrical Engineering   Mechanical Engineering    Manufacturing Engineering
  Automation & Robotics   Welding   Precision Machining
  Healthcare Technologies   IT Coding & Networking    Metrology

The GO TEC program started as a pilot in Danville and Pittsylvania County Schools and has now spread to middle schools from Abingdon to Hampton Roads.  

As middle school Career Connections Labs proliferate across the Commonwealth, GO TEC staff are focusing earnestly on helping school divisions create effective CTE programs for 9th- and 10th-grade students in those sectors.  

“The reason for investing in 9th- and 10th-grade programs is that we know what those CTE programs are in 11th and 12th grade. We wanted to start taking this funnel that’s big in elementary and middle school and extend it to form a complete pipeline.” – Angela Rigney, GO TEC Director, IALR

See the GO-TEC Website

Funding Talent Pathways  

Southern Virginia was awarded a Defense Manufacturing Community Support Designation (DMCSP) from the Department of Defense in 2021. This opened the door for future grant opportunities, such as a $5 million 2021 workforce development pipeline grant from the Department of Defense that has allowed IALR to support several initiatives, including:  

  • Successful GO TEC Robotics Competitions in 2023 and 2024
  • Virginia’s first Manufacturing Engineering Technology bachelor’s degree at Old Dominion University with a corresponding associate degree from Patrick & Henry Community College
  • Curriculum mapping from middle school to university programs 

That grant is also being used to support the creation of 9th- and 10th-grade pilot programs focused on STEM and manufacturing career pathways for three area school divisions.  

“The goal of these 9th- and 10th-grade STEM programs is to keep the students engaged when they leave the GO TEC Career Connections labs before they can go into dual enrollment.” – Amanda Hylton, Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, Manufacturing Advancement, IALR

Successful 9th- and 10th-Grade Programs in Pittsylvania County  

Pittsylvania County Schools launched two 9th- and 10th-grade academies in the 2022-2023 academic year: the Advanced Manufacturing Academy and the Health Sciences Academy. For these two-year programs, 9th- and 10th-grade students from the county’s four high schools spend half their day at the STEM Academy in Chatham and the other half at their base school. The program focuses on providing hands-on, engaging learning experiences that connect students with real-world applications of STEM. 

The curriculum of these programs was created to be hands-on and engaging. Students frequently take trips to different facilities around the community.  

“These programs give our students a different type of learning experience than at the base high school.” – Mark Jones, Ph.D., Superintendent, Pittsylvania County Schools

Students in the Advanced Manufacturing Academy in Pittsylvania County Schools gain hands-on experience in industries like welding, machining and automation with additional exploration in robotics, additive manufacturing and metrology.  

Over the course of the two-year program, students also create a professional portfolio of all the skills and experience they gain. 

“The feedback I receive from students and parents has been positive. It helps students understand what their likes are, their dislikes and what pathway they want to pursue.” – Sonya Soyars, Advanced Manufacturing Academy Instructor, Pittsylvania County Schools

Henry County Schools Pilot Program 

Henry County Public Schools is also addressing the 9th- and 10th-grade gap. A new pilot program for these grades has been launched, focusing on creating engaging STEM and CTE opportunities that build on the foundation established in middle school.  

Henry County Public Schools is placing GO TEC equipment, including virtual reality welders, on mobile carts that can serve different classrooms.

Henry County Public Schools already has robust CTE offerings at their base schools and the Career Academy. However, these offerings need a stronger emphasis on STEM-specific careers aligned with GO TEC pathways. With the support of the DMSCP grant, Henry County is integrating GO TEC equipment and tracks into its existing structure. This includes technologies such as Dobots, Haas Milling Machines and virtual welding simulators, which are placed on mobile carts for use across different classes. 

“We’re using this equipment to enhance what we already have. This equipment and technology has been monumental in enhancing the student experience.” – Kyana Smith, Ph.D., Coordinator of Career and Technical Education, Henry County Public Schools

A Customized Approach for 9th and 10th Grade 

The program equipment, technology and structure are very systematized and consistent across the 52 middle school GO TEC Career Connections Labs. However, that same level of uniformity doesn’t work with 9th- and 10th-grade programs.   

“There is not a one-size-fits-all 9th- and 10th-grade model that closes the gap and fills that career training pathway. We have to factor in timing, available resources, and regional differences and tailor this to each locality and each region.” – Jake Taylor, GO TEC Technical and Training Manager, IALR

GO TEC staff will continue to support Virginia school divisions by creating innovative, customized programs to bridge the 9th- and 10th-grade gap.  

“Career and technical education is coming back in full force. But it’s essential to strategically plan and implement those pathways and plans of success.” – Angela Rigney, GO TEC Director, IALR

Strategic Talent Pathways Starting in Middle School

Strategic Talent Pathways Starting in Middle School

The growing Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program is significantly impacting Virginia middle school students, school divisions and economic development efforts. Several leaders recently highlighted that impact and discussed future growth as part of a panel discussion during the GO Virginia State Board Retreat hosted at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) Conference Center.

GO TEC is a talent pathway that provides Virginia middle schoolers with hands-on introductions to advanced manufacturing and technology careers. IALR serves as the fiscal agent and program lead for GO TEC, which is supported and guided by partners that include K12 school systems, higher education, industry and economic development.

Virginia’s initiative for growth and opportunity in each region, GO Virginia is an economic development initiative and one of the primary funders of GO TEC, having provided approximately $9 million in funding to date.

Ben Davenport, a member of the GO Virginia State Board and the IALR Board of Trustees, moderated the panel.

“GO TEC is one of the very best investments that GO Virginia has made,” he said.

Below are a few of the main ideas shared during the panel discussion by the following leaders:

  • Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President, Advanced Learning, IALR
  • Linda Green, Executive Director of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance and IALR’s Vice President of Economic Development
  • Dr. Mark Jones, Superintendent, Pittsylvania County Schools

A Talent Pathway

GO TEC introduces Virginia middle school students to emerging STEM-focused career fields through hands-on learning. Some modules include manufacturing engineering, automation & robotics, welding, precision machining and IT coding & networking.

GO TEC started as a pilot program in Danville Public Schools and Pittsylvania County Schools in 2018-2019.

“GO TEC has allowed us to build down and build up to create interest. It’s integrated learning at its best for middle-school students.” – Dr. Mark Jones, Superintendent, Pittsylvania County Schools

Economic Impact

The program has an impact on more than just students and school divisions.

As one of the economic development leaders for Southern Virginia, Green shared that she always takes business prospects into GO TEC classrooms, where the students’ enthusiasm and growing skillsets make a strong impression.

“The return on investment has been phenomenal for this region and the whole Commonwealth of Virginia,” Green said.

Green shared that workforce development has become a differentiator for Southern Virginia economic developers. GO TEC has tangibly demonstrated the area’s commitment to meeting industry’s workforce needs by developing a sustainable pipeline of talent earlier to allow more opportunity for expanded skill development and career readiness.

Regional Expansion

Since the program launched in just a few schools in 2018-2019, the curriculum and program have continued to expand across the Commonwealth. As a result of GO Virginia investments, strategic partnerships and many success stories, 9,000+ students in 52 middle schools across Virginia, ranging from Abingdon to Chesapeake, will experience the GO TEC curriculum annually starting in the 2023-2024 school year.

“GO TEC gets students excited about these career opportunities. This is good for young people. This is good for Virginia.” – Dr. Julie Brown, Vice President, Advanced Learning, IALR

Brown said there are two simple goals moving forward: (1) to get GO TEC in every Virginia middle school and (2) to implement more impactful career education in the 9th and 10th grades – a current gap across the Commonwealth.

Showcasing the Program

Tours of the GO TEC Teacher Training Lab at IALR and the GO TEC Mobile lab were offered as part of the GO Virginia State Board Retreat. The full team, led by Program Director Angela Rigney, was on site to demonstrate the equipment, answer questions and connect with statewide leaders.

Three additional training labs are housed across the commonwealth with in-region coordinating entities: Endless Opportunity, the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Old Dominion University Research Foundation.

School divisions, industry partners and economic development organizations that are interested in partnering with GO TEC should contact Angela Rigney, GO TEC Director.

190 Students Gain Interview Experience at AspHIRE

190 Students Gain Interview Experience at AspHIRE

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), Longwood University and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) offered AspHIRE Mock Interview Day 2024 to 190 high school students this Spring. Students participated in mock interviews and learned about professionalism and other important workplace skills with local professionals. Students came from 10 school divisions.

Volunteers interview high school students from Pittsylvania County Schools during an AspHIRE Mock Interview Day hosted at IALR in early March.

“The AspHIRE Mock Interview Day provides valuable experience to high school students across Southern Virginia, exposing them to important workplace skills and allowing them to experience an authentic interview process.” – Jessie Vernon, IALR Advanced Learning Program Manager

The event was organized by IALR and held on March 5 and 7 at IALR, on March 13 at Longwood University, and on March 26 at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center. Local professionals volunteered their time to lead work-readiness sessions on topics like communication, personal branding, professionalism, company benefits and more. In total, 57 volunteers provided their time, serving as interviewers and providing employability skill sessions.

190 students participated in AspHIRE Mock Interview Day 2024, which was held at three different locations: Longwood University, the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center and IALR.

Students from the following school divisions participated:

  • Amelia County Public Schools
  • Brunswick County Public Schools
  • Charlotte County Public Schools
  • Danville Public Schools
  • Halifax County Public Schools
  • Lunenburg County Public Schools
  • Mecklenburg County Public Schools
  • Nottoway Public Schools
  • Pittsylvania County Schools
  • Prince Edward County Public Schools

A volunteer interviews a high school student as part of the AspHIRE Mock Interview Day hosted at the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) on March 26. Photo courtesy of SVHEC.

AspHIRE Mock Interview Day allows students to build skills through a practice interview with a local professional and several employability skill sessions. Students participate in a “conference” style experience, network with peers and professionals at a professional lunch and attend breakout sessions. The first AspHIRE Mock Interview Day was held at IALR in 2019 for students in Danville and Pittsylvania County and was expanded to include additional partners in the subsequent years. AspHIRE is part of IALR’s EmPOWER framework that systematically connects students to careers. 

202 Students Participate in 2023 Mock Interview Days

202 Students Participate in 2023 Mock Interview Days

IALR, Longwood University and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center (SVHEC) collaborated to offer AspHIRE Mock Interview Day 2023 to 202 high school students this Spring. Tenth through 12th graders from six school systems participated in this event to hone their interview and employability skills with local professionals. Students came from Danville City, Charlotte, Cumberland, Halifax, Lunenburg, Nottoway Pittsylvania, and Prince Edward Counties.  

“The AspHIRE mock interview day provides valuable experience to high school students across Southern Virginia, exposing them to important workplace skills and allowing them to experience an authentic interview process,” said Jessie Vernon, IALR Advanced Learning Program Manager.  

The event was organized by IALR and held on April 7 and 26 at IALR, on March 29 at SVHEC, and on April 25 at Longwood University. Local employers led work-readiness sessions and served as mock interviewers. To make this event possible, 66 volunteers provided their time, serving as interviewers and providing employability skill sessions.  

“The trip to Asphire was both informative and fun. It helped me widen my horizon about the working field and opened my eyes to new possibilities.” – King Catubig, Lunenburg County

“Something that was beneficial for me was learning to ask questions at the end of my interview.” – Chasity Robertson, Nottoway County. 

AspHIRE Mock Interview Day is designed to give students an opportunity to build their skills through a practice interview with a local professional and several employability skill sessions. Students are given a “conference” style experience, networking with peers and professionals at a professional lunch and attending breakout sessions. The latter included topics on Benefits and HR Basics, LinkedIn and Indeed, Personal Brand and Presentation, Professionalism and Communication, Teamwork and Problem Solving, and Time Management and Work-Life Balance. 

The first event was held at IALR in 2019 for students in Danville and Pittsylvania County and was expanded to include additional partners in the years since then.  

Students Complete Internships

Students Complete Internships

Thanks to the MajorClarity work-based learning initiative funded by GO Virginia, IALR joined Goodwill Industries and Danville Public Schools to support the launch of a summer internship program with the City of Danville. IALR also joined Pittsylvania County Community Action, the West Piedmont Workforce Development Board and Pittsylvania County Schools to support a similar summer internship program in Pittsylvania County.

The City of Danville hosted 27 Danville Public Schools students and Pittsylvania County hosted 15 Pittsylvania County Schools students. Their internships were eight weeks long and offered stipends and valuable work-based learning experience. For example, during the eight-week program, Pittsylvania County students had the opportunity to work across several departments with Pittsylvania County Schools, as well as with Pittsylvania County Parks and Recreation, the Pittsylvania Pet Center, Information Technology, Public Relations, Finance, and Community Development. Students wrote biographies of staff and drafted social media posts, helped customers, visited construction sites, and conducted important research. The students also had the opportunity to attend a groundbreaking event for Staunton River Plastics where they met Virginia Governor Ralph Northam (see photo).

“Work-based learning opportunities, specifically internships, are critical experiences that connect students and young adults to career opportunities and create relevance aligned with their academic experience,” said Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at IALR. “Paid internships are an investment by our local governments and employers as a key strategy to support regional talent development efforts.”

All 15 K-12 school divisions in GO Virginia Region 3 have adopted MajorClarity as their work-based learning platform. IALR led the adoption of this common digital platform to enhance students’ career development and increase employer engagement in work-based learning. 26,000 students in grades 6-12 now have access to MajorClarity to explore and prepare for career fields, plan and select academic classes and training programs, identify work-based learning opportunities, and track and improve career readiness and awareness. The county and city internship programs integrated MajorClarity as part of the application process.

Danville Public Schools and IALR Partner to Expand WiFi Access and Virtual Teaching Resources

Danville Public Schools and IALR Partner to Expand WiFi Access and Virtual Teaching Resources

IALR’s mobile Inspiration Lab to help educators, students and community select days throughout May

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s mobile Inspiration Lab will offer open WiFi access and scheduled support of teachers every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon throughout May in the parking lot of the former W. Townes Lea Elementary School. WiFi connection should be made using personal mobile devices, such as Google Chromebooks, from outside the lab.

Danville Public Schools (DPS) and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) are partnering to expand virtual teaching resources for educators while supplementing WiFi access for students, their families and the community. IALR’s 45-foot mobile Inspiration Lab will be parked at the former W. Townes Lea Elementary School on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during the month of May to serve these audiences.

“During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, our teachers are learning to teach differently,” stated DPS Superintendent Dr. Stanley Jones. “In my 35 years in public education, there has never been a more important time for collaboration and building strong partnerships. Working with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research gives our teachers access to a world-class mobile lab that will provide a unique experience for both teachers and students.”

“We are extremely grateful for the partnership we have with Danville Public Schools and other area school divisions to support the instructional needs of our area’s educators as well as the learning and WiFi access needs of our students and the community at large,” said Dr. Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. “Continuing to leverage the advanced technology of our mobile Inspiration Lab is one way we can keep our region moving forward.”

Students, their families and the community may access the Inspiration Lab’s WiFi hotspot from noon-4 p.m., every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the month. Personal mobile devices, such as Google Chromebooks, should be used to connect from outside the lab within the parking lot of the former W. Townes Lea Elementary School. No unscheduled visitors will be allowed inside the mobile lab at this time. The hotspot is called IALR Inspiration Lab AP1.

Teachers may reserve an individual appointment time on the Inspiration Lab to record their next virtual lesson and to teach students from an engaging, new setting. The mobile lab offers advanced technology and resources to complement a wide range of instructional topics, especially regarding science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). From 3D printers and robots to a chemical fume extractor, the Inspiration Lab is equipped to support most hands-on instructional needs. With proper advance notice and planning, IALR will also assist requesting teachers with instructional resources for coding, robotics, electronics and more.

Teachers can view available resources at ialr.org/inspiration-lab. They can request an appointment at bit.ly/DPSgovirtual. Advance registration is required to prepare the necessary equipment and to ensure only one teacher accesses the Inspiration Lab at a time.

For questions or additional information, please contact Bruce Waller, IALR Program Coordinator for the Inspiration Lab, at bruce.waller@ialr.org or (434) 770-8777.