Henrico Signing Day: About 74 CTE students sign letters of intent with local employers and county departments

Approximately 74 students from Henrico County career-and-technical-education programs signed letters of intent on Signing Day, entering paid roles or defined training pathways with local employers and Henrico County departments.

County Manager John Vatoukas opened the program and praised the county’s CTE partnerships, citing the ACE Center at Hermitage High School as an example of programs that create direct career pathways: "Over the years, I have seen career and technical education do some remarkable things for our county," said County Manager John Vatoukas.

School Board Chair Alicia Atkins framed the event as a milestone for students and families: "To our 74 students … today you're going to sign an offer letter, but you're signing more than a letter. You are signing a commitment, a commitment to your craft," said Alicia Atkins, School Board Chair, on behalf of Henrico County Public Schools.

Dr. Ingrid Grant, Henrico County's chief of schools, thanked teachers and community partners and said the work reflects the district’s goal of preparing students to be "life ready." She added that the milestone is a reflection of educators' and families' support.

Chief Jackson Baynard of the Henrico County Division of Fire described the firefighting ACE program’s demands and praised the recruits who earned spots in the Henrico Fire Academy: "They have embodied the principles that Henrico Fire operates on on a daily basis," Baynard said, noting students completed EMT training and rigorous hands-on requirements.

Employers across the region outlined pay, benefits and formal training pathways. Richmond Ford Lincoln said its overall compensation package for a hire had an added value of about $33,000, which the speaker broke down as roughly $9,500 in annual benefits plus a 2% 401(k) match. Several dealerships and service groups emphasized tuition reimbursement and entry to technical training networks such as Ford ASSET and Toyota’s T-TEN or T-10 programs. Loyalty Automotive representatives noted scholarship support for T-10 participants (described in the program as $10,000 per year).

Carter Myers Automotive officials highlighted longer-term employee-ownership opportunities: Ron Rose, senior director for the Richmond region at Carter Myers Automotive, said his firm trains hires for career progression and values candidates’ soft skills and work ethic.

Snap-on tool gift certificates of $500 were presented to three students as an early resource for toolkits, and many employers noted routine benefits packages, paid time off and matching retirement contributions as part of offers.

Henrico County also announced municipal hires. Ricky Blunt, Assistant Division Director for Henrico County, introduced Jonathan Seal as a new preventive maintenance technician working on refuse collection trucks; Assistant Director Alvin Christian said Jonathan will be sent to CDL school as part of his onboarding.

Organizers closed the program with recognition of families, instructors and county partners; students and employers participated in photo opportunities after signing.

The ceremony documented multiple specific employer commitments and training pathways; no formal votes or board actions were taken during the event.