Rockbridge Area Advanced Manufacturing Program (RAAMP)

This project addresses the demand for welders throughout the Shenandoah Valley by increasing enrollment and student access to training opportunities in welding.

GO Virginia provided $100,000 to Byers Technical Institute, a branch of Byers Inc., to hire infrastructures and procure equipment to expand training programs that address the high demand for skilled welders at Byers as well as several of their local industry partners.

Program Highlights:

• Secured employment for 43 graduates by 15 different companies
• Average starting salary is $44,742