King George County Public Schools is taking a major step forward in workforce readiness, becoming the first school division in Virginia to launch a pre-apprenticeship program with Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Chesapeake.
This initiative was made possible through strong collaboration between Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, Four Elements Electric, IEC Chesapeake, and regional workforce leaders.
According to Terri Rinko KGCS Work-Based Learning Specialist, this program represents exactly the kind of aligned, employer-connected talent pipeline the region needs, a model designed locally, for long-term regional impact.
A Direct Pipeline from Classroom to Career
Beginning Spring 2026, King George High School students will have access to a 160-hour, industry-led pre-apprenticeship program preparing them to enter IEC Chesapeake’s full registered apprenticeship.
Program highlights include:
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Hands-on industry training and certifications
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Immediate connection to paid employment opportunities beginning Summer 2026
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Continued advancement through Germanna Community College
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Proven success, four King George graduates are already working on IEC job sites today, including at the Kalahari Waterpark construction project
Grassroots-Funded Zero Taxpayer Dollars
The Spring semester’s Pre-Apprenticeship opportunity was funded entirely by KGCS partners Rappahannock Goodwill Industries and Four Elements Electric of King George, covering 100% of the $30,000 program cost.
No local or federal funding was used.
This was a fully grassroots investment by community partners who immediately stepped up when approached with the opportunity to help King George High School fill this workforce gap through IEC Chesapeake.
A First in Virginia, and a Blueprint Moving Forward
This is officially the first IEC pre-apprenticeship program launched at the high school level in Virginia, and it is already being viewed as a replicable model for other school divisions seeking to build modern, employer-aligned career pathways.
