TechBridge – Bridging Hands-On Career Training and Virtual Education for WVVA Students 

When you meet Jeremy Greene, Career Readiness Coordinator at West Virginia Virtual Academy (WVVA), it’s immediately clear that he’s passionate about helping students prepare for life after high school. 

Greene’s role is “very similar to what a Career and Technical Education Director would do in a traditional brick-and-mortar school model,” he explains. “I help manage the classes, identify pathways and help students with dual enrollment and help our teachers to be effective in the classroom.”  

It’s a unique role that combines career planning, academic advising, and building partnerships across the state. One of Greene’s proudest accomplishments has been helping to launch WVVA’s TechBridge program. 

What is TechBridge? 

TechBridge is a career program at WVVA where students continue their core classes online while attending a local tech center for in-person classes in the skilled trades.  

The program evolved from interest from students and families who were eager about hands-on, skill building opportunities to explore industries and job pathways.  

Greene shares, “We’ve done this to provide opportunities for students to get the hands-on training that they want in the career pathways, apprenticeships, and skilled trades.” 

Students choose from fields that interest them and are in their own community. Those interested can get started as early as 8th grade. If the student matches the criteria, the team works to find an in-person program for the student. 

 “There are expectations we have for grades, performance, attendance, and discipline,” Greene said. “If students are meeting the expectations, then we start working with the individual tech program in their county or in their region.” 

WVVA students are expected to go through the same process of applying and interviewing for tech center programs as any other traditional student.  

“The tech center completes their selection process,” he said, “and if a student earns the right to go there, their schedule with West Virginia Virtual Academy would revolve around the time associated with activities at the tech center.” 

After students are accepted, Greene then works to make sure schedules are adaptable and flexible.  

“If a student was accepted into the diesel program, then we would adjust their schedule for their core classes,” Greene explained, “They could still take English, math, history, or science while traveling to the tech center in the morning and taking their hands-on apprenticeship program or skilled trades program.” 

Students so far have pursued welding, cosmetology, agriculture, diesel mechanics, and carpentry and Greene expects more students and more program options in the future.  

“I expect it to grow,” he said, “Building relationships with the tech centers takes time, but we’ve created a lot of positive relationships already and our partnerships with those tech centers are going to continue to grow.” 

Early Successes  

TechBridge is still in its infancy stages, but the pilot cohort was small but mighty – and Greene is proud of all they achieved.  

“The success of students has been 100%. The kids are earning their credentials and having positive experiences while they’re there,” he said, “They’re choosing these programs because this is something that they feel very passionate about, they’re interested in, and they want to gain the skills and knowledge associated with them.” 

This program also opens doors and WVVA students have already leveraged those opportunities. Take Dean, a tenth grader attending both WVVA and Mercer County Technical Education Center. His experience in culinary arts through the ProStart program led to an invitation to the Governor’s School for Tourism, an exclusive honor that highlights how hybrid academic and hands-on training translates into extraordinary real-world opportunities. 

This moment of recognition shows that WVVA students are not just completing coursework; they’re becoming leaders and engaged citizens while gaining access to statewide, prestigious programs. 

The Benefits for Students & Families 

Greene sees TechBridge as a transformative opportunity for students who attend online schools. 

“The goal is to give students opportunities,” he said. “Some of the perceived limitations about virtual education have been, ‘Where are the opportunities to get the hands-on skills or the vocational skills that I want to get?’ and through this program, we can ensure all students, no matter their learning environment, has access to the programs they value.” 

Graduates can step into the workforce with industry-recognized credentials.  

“The skilled trades particularly are in such high demand,” Greene noted. “If a kid completes a program and is leaving with credentials, they’re going to have job opportunities.” 

He also stresses the value of connecting beyond the classroom. 

“The social aspects of it are really important,” Greene said, including “engaging with their peers and with industry professionals as well.” 

Why It Matters  

Before joining WVVA, Greene spent years as a career and technical education teacher in agriculture and carpentry. 

 “Those things are very, very near and dear to my heart,” he said.  “When I came on board, I was uneasy about what a technical education looked like in this world, but we’re still giving kids these same opportunities even though a majority of their education is virtual. They have the same opportunities to get end-to-end skills and build potential careers out of it.” 

For Greene, the reward is clear, “It’s a win across the board, but I’m a little bit biased,” he says with a smile. 

The Future of TechBridge 

As TechBridge grows, Greene sees endless possibilities for WVVA students.  

“I think the numbers are going to continue to increase as students are finding us as a viable option and something different,” he said. 

Building relationships with tech centers across the state will remain a top priority as students lean in on finding the pathways that are right for them.  

For Greene, the vision is simple but powerful: open more doors for more students and ensure that every WVVA learner has the chance to graduate not just with a diploma, but with real-world skills, industry credentials, and a head start on a career they love.  

You can learn more about West Virginia Virtual Academy and the TechBridge Career Program at https://wvva.k12.com/academics/career-college-prep/tech-bridge-career-program/ 

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