(Ringgold) — A home-grown education consulting company will build it’s first training center in Pittsylvania County.
Governor Glenn Youngkin this weekend announced that TECHnista will spend over one-and-a-half million dollars to establish a National Training and Technology Center in the Ringgold East Industrial Park.
“TECHnista’s training center in Pittsylvania County is a major victory for Southern Virginia and the Commonwealth at large,” Youngkin said. “Virginia offers the location and world-class talent to catalyze growth for the company and develop the talent of the future for the advanced manufacturing and defense industries.”
TECHnista Founder and CEO Kelsey Robertson says this will create 15 new jobs as part of a five-year federal contract with the U.S. Department of Defense.
“We are excited to bring our K-12 manufacturing education solution to fruition in Pittsylvania County. We feel confident that this region’s commitment to growing small businesses will play a key role in our success,” said Robertson. “This award will serve as a catalyst to inspire the next generation of talent and create sustainable, high-quality jobs that will drive the region’s future growth.”
Robertson says their goal is to innovate K-12 education and strengthening local and national manufacturing workforce pipelines. TECHnista has developed their very own Advanced Manufacturing Academy program in Pittsylvania County
Dr. Joey Faucette, Chairman of the Pittsylvania County Industrial Development Authority, says TECHnista will bring revenue and high-paying jobs to the county, along with a lot of local pride. “TECHnista brings new employment opportunities as well as a wealth of knowledge and expertise that benefits our youngest residents by providing a bridge between technology and K-12 education,” Faucette said. “At the same time, TECHnista’s expansion is yet another indication that economic growth and innovation remains robust in this region, and we are excited that they have decided to stay and grow in their home county.”
Programs produced at the Center are expected to help 110,000 students nationally each year.