Virginia Technical Academy

What Is It Known For?

Located at 809 Omni Boulevard in Newport News, VA, Virginia Technical Academy (VTA) was founded in 2018 by Dave Gillespie as a for-profit post-secondary school. Its mission is to prepare students for success in skilled trades like HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and appliance repair.

VTA combines video lessons, hands-on lab assignments, and instruction from experienced professionals to equip students with the skills needed for career growth. While current enrollment numbers aren’t available, the school’s first graduating class had 110 students, with similar numbers expected annually.

Graduates can expect to gain industry-recognized credentials that open doors to stable and well-paying job opportunities.

Degrees & Certifications

Virginia Technical Academy provides hands-on training and certification programs designed to prepare students for in-demand trades. Students here have access to the following programs:

Class Schedules

Virginia Technical Academy offers morning classes from 8 AM to 4 PM and evening classes from 5:30 PM to 9 PM. All programs focus on hands-on learning through extensive lab work, with no online options available. While externships aren’t mentioned, the school provides job placement assistance to help students transition into the workforce.

Is It Legit?

Yes. Virginia Technical Academy is a legitimate institution. The school is approved by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry and the Virginia Department of Occupational Regulations for its Career Track programs.

Acceptance Rate

The school does not publish an acceptance rate. However, it welcomes career-switching adults and students without a high school diploma, making it accessible to a wide range of learners.

How Much Does Tuition Cost?

Virginia Technical Academy does not disclose tuition costs publicly. Since the school does not provide a net price calculator, the best way to get detailed information about tuition and other expenses is to contact the school directly.

Programs & Courses

Skilled Trades

  • HVAC/R
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing
  • Appliance Repair
  • Building/Property Maintenance

Campus Locations

Newport News 809 Omni Blvd Newport News, VA 23606

Career Services

Virginia Technical Academy provides career services that include professional guidance, networking opportunities, and connections with regional employers seeking skilled tradespeople. Students and graduates benefit from instructor support and strong industry partnerships to help launch or advance their careers.

Reviews

Based on Google reviews, Virginia Technical Academy (VTA) is a highly-regarded trade school with a strong reputation for providing intensive, hands-on training that effectively prepares students for careers in high-demand trades, particularly Electrical and HVAC/R.

Overall Score: 4.8/5 Stars

Common Praises

Exceptional Hands-On Training: The most prominent praise is for the “best hands on training I’ve ever seen.” Reviewers emphasize the practical experience gained, which is crucial for entry into trades like Electrical, HVAC/R, and Refrigeration.

Highly Knowledgeable and Supportive Instructors: Instructors are frequently called the “best instructor that I had ever met” and “extremely knowledgeable.” They are praised for actively teaching the material and taking the time to answer any questions.

Strong Career Preparation and Staff Support: Graduates feel the school gives them a great start and provides the extensive knowledge needed in their trade. The staff is commended for going “above and beyond” to help students.

Trade Focus and Curriculum Depth: Students who took the full courses, such as Electrical, reported learning an extensive amount of knowledge and feeling well-prepared for their careers and future journeyman license requirements.

Positive Learning Environment: The staff is described as very “welcoming and understanding,” creating an atmosphere that is supportive of students new to the trades.

Common Criticisms

Inconsistent Quality in Some Courses: One detailed review about the Building Maintenance course noted a poor experience, claiming the curriculum lacked depth, and a promised major hands-on project was cancelled, leading to a feeling that time was wasted.

Experience-Dependent Value: Some reviews suggest the value of the instruction may be higher for beginners than for veterans or those with previous experience, though the core technical courses are still viewed as excellent.

Momentum

The momentum for VTA is strongly positive and sustained, fueled by its successful accredited programs approved by the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) and DPOR, which offer a clear pathway toward the Journeyman tradesman license. The very high overall rating and the consistent stream of recent positive reviews (many within the last few months) confirming the continued quality of the Electrical and HVAC programs demonstrate that VTA is an effective and highly valued institution in its core trade offerings, despite one reported inconsistency in a secondary course.