Powhatan highlights career, technical programs as students earn national honors
February 03, 2026 | Powhatan County, Virginia
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Powhatan County’s career and technical education coordinator told the Board of Supervisors on Feb. 2 that the school division is expanding hands‑on programs and industry credentials to prepare students for local jobs and regional workforce needs. Catherine Garrett described agriculture pathways, building trades, health‑care and culinary programs, and a new standalone welding program added this year.
The presentation stressed that many courses lead to industry certifications the division pays for, including OSHA, ServSafe, Microsoft assessments and welding credentials. “Our agriculture mechanics team placed number 1 in the nation,” Garrett said, and the division is using state and Perkins funding to cover certification costs so students leave high school employable or credentialed for further training.
Garrett told the board that about two‑thirds of the senior class complete a sequence of CTE courses and that the division is expanding dual‑enrollment options and middle‑school career exploration. She cited partnerships that provide work‑based learning: nursing students rotate at Johnston Willis Hospital, high‑ability students gain veterinary experience at Midlothian Animal Hospital, and registered apprenticeships send students to job sites two days a week.
Coach Chris Whitlow and students were recognized for recent competition results at state and national levels. Whitlow praised students’ multi‑year commitment and long practice hours. Student Parker Smith described the team’s progression: “We practiced, we stayed after school, we spent long hours practicing… We ended up going and competing and winning the state competition, and we went on to the nationals,” he said.
Board members asked about teacher training, AI tools and data safety. Garrett said staff are piloting educator‑focused AI platforms and training teachers first so student use will follow with FERPA and district data protections in place. The board acknowledged the role CTE plays in county economic development and encouraged continued alignment with local employers.
The board took no formal action on the presentation; members thanked staff and congratulated the students.
The presentation stressed that many courses lead to industry certifications the division pays for, including OSHA, ServSafe, Microsoft assessments and welding credentials. “Our agriculture mechanics team placed number 1 in the nation,” Garrett said, and the division is using state and Perkins funding to cover certification costs so students leave high school employable or credentialed for further training.
Garrett told the board that about two‑thirds of the senior class complete a sequence of CTE courses and that the division is expanding dual‑enrollment options and middle‑school career exploration. She cited partnerships that provide work‑based learning: nursing students rotate at Johnston Willis Hospital, high‑ability students gain veterinary experience at Midlothian Animal Hospital, and registered apprenticeships send students to job sites two days a week.
Coach Chris Whitlow and students were recognized for recent competition results at state and national levels. Whitlow praised students’ multi‑year commitment and long practice hours. Student Parker Smith described the team’s progression: “We practiced, we stayed after school, we spent long hours practicing… We ended up going and competing and winning the state competition, and we went on to the nationals,” he said.
Board members asked about teacher training, AI tools and data safety. Garrett said staff are piloting educator‑focused AI platforms and training teachers first so student use will follow with FERPA and district data protections in place. The board acknowledged the role CTE plays in county economic development and encouraged continued alignment with local employers.
The board took no formal action on the presentation; members thanked staff and congratulated the students.
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