Germanna Community College and The Oberle Academy Partner to Expand Career and Technical Education Opportunities

For Immediate Release
April 10, 2025

Fredericksburg, VA – Germanna Community College and The Oberle Academy marked the launch of their new partnership today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating a shared commitment to providing career and technical education (CTE) to high school students in the greater Fredericksburg area.
 

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This collaboration brings Germanna faculty to The Oberle Academy’s CTE Center, located at 403 Willis Street in Downtown Fredericksburg, where students from Oberle and other area schools will receive hands-on instruction in skilled trades. Courses will include electrical, HVAC, forklift operations, welding, and solar energy, equipping students with the technical skills necessary to enter the workforce.

“This partnership between Germanna and The Oberle Academy is a vital step in strengthening workforce development,” said Dr. Janet Gullickson, president of Germanna Community College. “By expanding access to technical education, we are preparing students for in-demand careers that drive economic growth.”
 

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The Oberle Academy, a private institution dedicated to specialized education, has partnered with Germanna for over a decade. Their collaboration, which began with the SDV 108 course to support students’ transition to college, now extends to career and technical education, helping to meet the region’s growing need for skilled trades professionals.

Through this partnership, Germanna will also offer evening and weekend skilled trades courses for adult learners at Oberle’s facility, further broadening access to workforce training programs.

“Our goal has always been to provide students with the education and resources needed to succeed in their chosen career paths,” said Al Fagan, president and CEO of The Oberle Academy. “By partnering with Germanna, we are enhancing our ability to prepare students for rewarding careers in essential industries.”

The Oberle Academy, founded in 1991, has a rich history of serving students in grades 3 through 12, as well as those in post-graduate programs. The Academy offers a personalized learning environment, ensuring that students receive tailored academic and vocational support.

“This collaboration is a meaningful investment in the future workforce,” said Tina Lance, dean of business and workforce development. “Partnering with The Oberle Academy allows us to broaden access to technical education, equipping students with the skills and training needed for high-demand careers.”
 

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Additional remarks were given by two student speakers, Hayden M. and Gavin S.

“Because of my time at The Oberle Academy, I’ll have my certifications in OSHA10, core skills, and electrical level 1 when I graduate,” says Gavin S., a student at Oberle. “The teachers and staff here really look out for us. When I first got here, my grades were pretty low, but I’ve turned things around—I’m on the honor roll now and even serve as SCA president.”
 

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The ribbon-cutting ceremony welcomed a distinguished group of attendees, including local and state dignitaries who played key roles in supporting the project. In attendance were representatives from the Mary Washington Healthcare Board of Trustees, the Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board, the George Washington Regional Commission, The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, Stafford County Public Schools, the Fredericksburg Economic Development Authority, Fredericksburg City Council, the Rappahannock United Way, and Fraser Wood Elements, among representatives from both Germanna and The Oberle Academy.
 

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To learn more about the Germanna and Oberle partnership and explore available programs, visit germanna.edu or email gccworkforce@germanna.edu or kdoucette@eri-va.org for information. To support students pursuing career and technical education courses, contact the Germanna Educational Foundation at foundation@germanna.edu or the Oberle Academy at mfagan@eri-va.org.

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For media inquiries:
William Berry
Director of Marketing and Recruitment
(540) 834-1019
wberry@germanna.edu

About Germanna Community College
Established in 1970 as part of the Virginia Community College System, we are a comprehensive community college providing quality, accessible, and affordable educational opportunities for the residents of the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, Culpeper, King George, Madison, Orange, Spotsylvania and Stafford and for online learners everywhere.

About The Oberle Academy
Established in 1991, Employment Resources, Inc., trading as The Oberle Academy, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Virginia corporation. The Oberle Academy is licensed by the Virginia Department of Education and accredited by the Virginia Association of Independent Specialized Education Facilities (VAISEF). The Oberle Academy serves students from the City of Fredericksburg and the counties of Prince William, Stafford, Fauquier, Orange, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, Westmoreland, and the Town of Colonial Beach.