When Professor Jim Charapich teaches his students, he doesn’t just speak from a textbook—he speaks from lived experience. With more than 25 years in the construction industry, seven years as president of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, and now six years at Germanna Community College, his career has been defined by building: homes, communities, and, today, futures.
“I’ve done a lot in my career,” Professor Charapich says. “But in terms of meaningful work, it doesn’t get much better than this. At Germanna, we are on the frontlines of education in our community.”
Professor Charapich’s journey began after graduating from T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, Virginia, in 1978. He went on to James Madison University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in management. Needing extra money during college, he worked summers on high-rise construction sites in Northern Virginia. That hands-on experience lit a fire.
After graduation, he launched his career in Harrisonburg, building townhouses, single-family homes, and vacation properties.
“That’s when my construction career really took off,” he says. “And within the field, I traveled down many paths—mainly in sales and building components.”
His influence grew across the region, but when the 2008 recession hit, Professor Charapich was forced to pivot.
When the economy slowed, Professor Charapich applied his “portable skills” to a new challenge: leading the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. Over the next seven years, he forged partnerships that linked businesses, schools, and the broader community.
“It was a wonderful experience because it engaged me with public education and government in ways I hadn’t seen before,” Professor Charapich says. One of his proudest achievements was helping grow Career Partners, a program that connects high school students with businesses to develop real business plans. Many of those students earned scholarships that supported their education at Germanna.
Professor Charapich’s work at the Chamber also connected him to Germanna’s leadership.
When the opportunity arose, Professor Charapich brought his construction background and leadership experience to Germanna’s workforce program. Today, he designs and delivers programs that prepare individuals for high-demand careers in the trades—bridging education and workforce development while empowering learners of all ages and abilities.
“Applied experience in the trades is everything,” Professor Charapich explains. “Our motto at Germanna is to help students get jobs. The stories I have from my experience in business and construction translate to sobering conversations about the reality of construction. It’s a dangerous field, and safety is vital. My own stories help bring that home.”
Each class is unique, with cohorts that might include veterans, retirees, English-language learners, or students with special needs. “It’s challenging, but it’s exciting creating a team environment,” he says. “At the end of the class, I’ve had students tell me it was the best class they’ve ever had. Those are the really cool moments.”
Professor Charapich is especially passionate about showing students that skilled trades can lead to stable, well-paying careers. Thanks to Virginia’s Fast Forward program, many students are able to complete certifications with little or no debt.
He has also witnessed students once intimidated by education grow into confident professionals. “I’ve had special needs students where I didn’t think they were getting it, and the next thing I know, they’re standing in front of class giving a lecture,” he says. “Those are the miracles.”
For Professor Charapich, teaching is more than a job, it’s a calling he now realizes he shares with his mother.
“My mother was a teacher, and I didn’t realize how passionate she was about it until I started telling her my students’ success stories,” he says. “In the last six years, and more specifically the last two, seeing the small successes and miracles that happen invigorates me.”
He also understands the broader impact of this work.
For those still searching for their path, Professor Charapich offers simple advice: “If you don’t know what you want to do or you enjoy working with your hands, there’s a place in the skilled trades for you.”