GO Training Programs

GO COOK is a six-week, hands-on training program where graduates can earn two nationally approved industry certificates and get connected to local employers. A partnership between the City of Charlottesville, Albemarle County and Culinary Concepts AB, LLC, GO COOK creates a career pathway for future chefs and those interested in the culinary field.  Full scholarships are available for those who qualify. This is a high-intensity workforce training program.  It requires a commitment of five weeks, five days per week, and four hours per day.   After completing this program you will showcase your skills with a pop up restaurant and job placement with one of our 60+ restaurant partners.  For more information email bichej@charlottesville.gov or apply here.

The Office of Economic Development has partnered with Piedmont Virginia Community College to offer the newest GO Program, GO Facility Maintenance Tech.  The Maintenance Tech program prepares students for entry-level employment and advancement as a maintenance technician in the residential property industry working with homes, apartments, townhomes, condominiums and other multi-unit complexes.  Gain knowledge and hands-on skill development in electrical, HVAC, painting, mechanical and appliance service and repairs, as well as lock and key services and property inspection. Additional topics include safety, processing work orders, preventative maintenance schedules, repair and replacement decisions, fair housing and environmental regulation compliance, and effective communication with residents, team members and contractors. The program includes 80+ hours of instruction, materials and one exam fee for the Certified Apartment Management Technician 1 (CAMT1) certificate, a nationally recognized industry certification.  Tuition assistance is available for those who qualify. For more information visit https://www.pvcc.edu/programs/maintenance-technician or email bichej@charlottesville.gov .

OED has partnered with FLIPP Inc to offer GO Solar, an Installing & Designing Photovoltaic (PV) Systems training where graduates can earn their North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Photovoltaic (PV) Associate certificate.  NABCEP credentials like the PV Associate are designed to prepare people for careers in the renewable energy industry.  The course encompasses 40 hours of comprehensive training that teaches participants how solar photovoltaic systems work, how they are designed, how to predict the output of a system, and how systems are installed.  The program will cover the fundamentals of PV, such as how voltage, current, power and energy interrelate, as well as fundamental knowledge about the economics and expected payback period. Course includes exam prep and instruction from a registered NABCEP provider. No prior experience in the solar industry is required and tuition may be covered for those who qualify. For more information email bichej@charlottesville.gov. Sign-up here for GO SOLAR training.