Explore the trades in school
Hands-on, career-focused learning through RPS's Passion4Learning redesign.
RVA Builds · A Richmond Ed Fund initiative
Build a career in the trades, before you graduate.
RVA Builds connects Richmond Public Schools students with paid, hands-on careers in construction and the skilled trades, before they even graduate.
A partnership of Richmond Ed Fund, Richmond Public Schools, and the City of Richmond.
500RPS students into
the trades by 2029
the trades by 2029
Who we are
We are the trusted bridge between Richmond's students and the people who want to invest in their success.
Richmond Ed Fund is an independent nonprofit and, for 25 years, the innovation engine for Richmond Public Schools. We back bold, evidence-driven ideas and then help the district make them permanent. RVA Builds is our boldest bet yet.
The goal
500 students into the skilled trades by 2029.
Today, fewer than 15 RPS graduates enter a registered apprenticeship each year, and Richmond ranks among the bottom five U.S. metros for economic mobility. RVA Builds builds a direct path from the classroom to a high-wage career in construction, the region's most in-demand industry.
120+ paid hoursEvery student completes at least 120 hours of paid work-based learning.
A living wagePartners commit to fair compensation when students graduate into the trades.
Wraparound supportTransportation, tools, credentials, and advising. Not just a job.
How it works
From the classroom to a registered apprenticeship.
RVA Builds gives students hands-on experience and real wages before they even graduate.
Earn 120+ paid hours
Complete paid, work-based learning with a real Richmond employer.
Build skills & credentials
Train with mentors and earn credentials that count toward a career.
Enter a registered apprenticeship
Graduate straight into a registered apprenticeship paying a living wage.
By the numbers
An ambitious goal, backed by real investment.
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RPS grads aimed at registered apprenticeships in 3 years
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Students in paid trades learning by 2028–29 (goal)
0
Partners: schools, the city, business & unions
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Paid work-based learning hours per student
Two ways in
Whether you're starting out or hiring up.
For students
Connect with your future
Get connected to Richmond employers ready to train you on the job and into a career in the trades.
- No cost to join
- Paid hands-on hours
- Mentor on the job
For employers
Connect with your next hire
Get connected to Richmond students ready to learn the trades and grow into your pipeline.
- Connected to RPS
- We handle matching
- Shape the trades
Voices
Why Richmond is betting on the trades.
We must stop pretending that college is the only path to upward mobility. I graduated high school with real options, and we're committed to making that the norm for RPS students.
Taikein CooperCEO, Richmond Ed Fund
Our students deserve to graduate with real options. A choice-filled life is not a slogan; it's a standard we hold ourselves to, and this investment gives us the tools to deliver it.
Jason KamrasSuperintendent, Richmond Public Schools
Economic mobility is the defining challenge of this city. RVA Builds is workforce policy, housing policy, and public safety policy all at once.
Danny AvulaMayor, City of Richmond
Take part
Invest in the future of Richmond, one bold idea at a time.
Whether you're an RPS student ready to build a career, or an employer ready to grow the trades, RVA Builds starts here.
Now enrollingRichmond's first cohort