Charlottesville Area Technical Education Center’s 2026 School-to-Work Signing Day celebration was held on May 6 at 6:00 pm at CATEC in its auditorium. 

School-to-Work Signing Day celebrates CATEC students’ outstanding performances and commitments to employment with local businesses. Twenty-seven students across six CATEC programs will be recognized for rolling their internships, after school jobs, and job interviews into careers with 20 local employers. Employers hiring students include small businesses as well as large employers like UVA Health, Flow Automotive, and Hair Cuttery.

CATEC Principal Dr. Stacey Heltz says, “Like student athletes signing commitments to attend colleges for sports, CATEC is acknowledging our students who are entering the workforce and the local businesses who seek out our students for employment.” 

Support for the event is provided by the Trades and Technical Education Foundation and Virginia Career Works - Piedmont Region.The Trades and Technical Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3)-designated non-profit established with an unwavering commitment to providing support and advocacy for students of all ages embarking on careers in the skilled trades. The organization is providing students with industry-specific tools and equipment valued at $150 per student. 

Virginia Career Works - Piedmont Region (VCWP) is the region’s non-profit workforce development system, connecting career seekers and employers in our area. Serving 11 localities, including the City of Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle and Fluvanna, VCWP works with individuals and community partners to support career pathways, strengthen the local talent pipeline, and meet the workforce needs of local employers. Programs and services are funded through federal, state, and local resources and are available to eligible individuals and businesses. Virginia Career Works - Piedmont Region has helped facilitate community partnerships and provided event support.