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18 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • September 2026 It's no secret that a teenager's senior year (and even junior year, as application preparation and career planning seem to start earlier and earlier) largely centers around one defining question: What comes after high school? For many families, a four-year university or community college continue to be the right choice for their future. However, more and more young adults are pursuing options out- side of traditional collegiate schooling, and finding successful and rewarding careers in doing so. From skilled trades like electrical, plumbing, carpentry or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) to careers in emergency medicine or nursing and health- care, there are many paths to enter the workforce quickly and with valuable skills (and without the burden of staggering student debt). In Virginia, there are a plethora of apprenticeships and training pro- grams in which both teens and adults can participate to kickstart their careers in high-demand sectors. Whether for recent or soon- to-be high school graduates or adults looking to begin or change their careers, these opportunities are well worth exploring. WRITTEN BY CAMILLE TURNER Beyond College Apprenticeships and Career Paths Your Teen (or You) Can Start Now Skilled Trades: Learning While Earning For those who love working with their hands, problem-solving and seeing the immediate results of their labor each day, skilled trades offer a strong career choice and are in high demand. Southern Air, a contracting company serving the Mid-Atlantic region, has offered Registered Apprenticeship programs since 1961. They currently offer apprenticeships in HVAC, plumbing and electrical, with 100 to 150 active apprentices participating at any given time. Registered Apprenticeship is an earn while you learn model, so program participants get both technical classroom instruction and paid, hands-on training. Southern Air Personnel Development Manager Sherie Fulcher explained, "Our apprentices are paid on a progressive wage scale, meaning their earnings increase as their knowledge, skills and competencies grow. They are evaluated twice each year and receive wage increases based on successful progress both on the job and in the classroom."