Exploring future pathways
November 30, 2022
Boys & Girls Club students visit UVA Apprenticeship Program
Earlier this month, students from the Journey Middle School chapter of the Boys & Girls Club visited UVA Facilities Management and the West Grounds Zone Maintenance team to learn about the trades and the UVA Apprenticeship Program.
The students received a tour of maintenance rooms, including views of HVAC systems and electrical panels, before returning to the shop to gain some hands-on experience. There, they rotated through three different stations, each featuring a different skill that is taught through the apprenticeship program.
First, the students were able to test their strength while trying to bend pipe — meant to serve as conduit for wiring — to a 90-degree angle using a hand-held conduit bender. At the next station, they learned to cut and connect wires to run a circuit with the end-goal of providing electricity to a lightbulb. Finally, they got to try their hand at wrapping insulation around pipes.
As a continuation of a previous partnership with Facilities Management, the visit allowed members of the club who showed interest in the different trades to get a direct look at the work and tools involved.
Afia Paracha
Communications assistant student worker
UVA Facilities Management
hcx2td@virginia.edu