Higher Education
VPCC Workforce Development Center.
Newport News, Virginia
The Economic Development Authority of the City of Newport News, Virginia partnered with Virginia Peninsula Community College, hired RRMM Architects to program, design, and deliver a new workforce development and skilled trade building to support Newport News Ship Building as well as regional manufacturing companies.
The 16,000 SF single-story facility houses administrative spaces, offices, classrooms, shop spaces, a common area, and a lobby. With the specific need for training curriculum to support ship building and maintenance, specialized areas are included for welding, metal fabrication, a 25’x25’ partial submarine mock up, and flexible teaching zones for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. The fast track project schedule included 6 months for design and building permit and 8 months for construction. In order to meet the required time frames, the project will utilize multiple early packages encompassing site, steel, and pre-ordering for switch gear and mechanical units. Additional important components of the project are community engagement and support for local minority and woman-owned subcontractors.
According to school leaders, a large goal of this facility is to help more than 400 students a year in underserved neighborhoods complete training to prepare for and acquire a skills trade job.
