Heather Bell
Editor
Radford City Public Schools (RCPS) and Pulaski County Public Schools (PCPS), in partnership with New River Community College (NRCC) and leading regional manufacturers, have announced the fall 2025 launch of the Bridge to Excellence – Manufacturing program.
“The initiative will provide selected high school seniors with hands-on manufacturing experiences, industry-recognized credentials, and direct exposure to in-demand career pathways in the City of Radford and the greater New River Valley,” said Kirsten Mosby, Director of Student Readiness and Workforce Development for RCPS.
Through collaboration between school divisions, NRCC, and significant industry partners including Oransi, Tech Lab and Regal Rexnord/Kollmorgen, students will take part in a combination of classroom instruction, lab-based training at NRCC, and industry tours at local manufacturing facilities. The program will include NC3 Snap-on certification training in dial caliper precision measurement, dial gauge PMI Precision measurement and college credit in SDV 101 (College Success Skills) from NRCC.
“In addition to technical skills, the program will incorporate workplace readiness preparation, resume building, and understanding employer expectations,” said Mosby.
The Bridge to Excellence – Manufacturing program will run from September through early December 2025, with students returning to their home schools each Friday after industry tours or training sessions.
“Participating businesses will engage directly with students, showcase career opportunities, and help strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline,” said Mosby.
Organizers are thanking the industry partners participating in this opportunity: Red Sun Farms, Patton Warehousing, James Hardie, Volvo, Moog, Hollingsworth & Vose, Oransi, Tech Lab and Regal Rexnord/Kollmorgen.
“With their continued support and encouragement, we are opening doors and possibilities for our students right here in the New River Valley,” said Mosby.
