On January 22, students from Henrico’s three ACE Centers—Hermitage, Highland Springs, and Virginia Randolph—will take center stage at the annual #LifeReady Career Rodeo – Skills Challenge & Employer Showcase, hosted by Henrico Workforce & Career Development. This high-energy event, held at the Richmond Raceway Exhibition Hall, connects career-ready students with industry leaders for an afternoon of hands-on demonstrations, networking, and opportunity.
What Makes This Event Unique?
The Career Rodeo is more than a showcase—it’s a launchpad for future careers. Students will demonstrate their skills in real-world challenges, highlighting technical expertise, problem-solving, and professionalism. Employers will see firsthand the talent pipeline Henrico is building through its Career & Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Programs Represented
ACE students from all career pathways will participate, including:
Health Sciences – Students from programs like Nurse Aide and Pharmacy Technician will demonstrate patient care and medication safety skills, connecting with partners such as VCU Health System Workforce Development, LifeCare Medical Transports, and Companion Extraordinaire.
Information Technology & Cybersecurity – Future tech professionals will showcase networking and security skills, engaging with employers like Henrico County IT, Networking Technologies + Support, and QTS Data Centers.
Automotive & Transportation – Students from Auto Tech, Diesel, and Collision Repair programs will meet partners such as Carter Machinery, Ferber’s Automotive, and Kenworth Sales Ashland.
Construction & Skilled Trades – From HVAC to Electrical and Carpentry, students will connect with companies like ColonialWebb, BK Martin Construction, and IEC Chesapeake.
Cosmetology & Personal Services – Students will demonstrate styling and customer service skills, networking with partners like Canvas the Salon and Hair Cuttery.
Why It Matters
This event is part of Henrico’s three-part career readiness series, leading up to CTE Signing Day in the spring. It’s a chance for students to prove they’re #LifeReady, make connections, and even secure interviews on the spot.
With more than 70 business and community partners attending, the Career Rodeo highlights the strength of Henrico’s CTE programs and the bright future ahead for ACE students.