At VMDO, we recognize the growing importance of designing educational environments that equip students with the skills necessary for the workforce of the future. As industries evolve, the spaces where students learn must adapt to support emerging fields like advanced manufacturing and automation. In conversations with VMDO’s K-12 Leader, Rob Winstead, and Higher Ed Leader, Kim Thompson Smith, we explored how educational facilities are increasingly becoming hubs for workforce development, preparing students for careers in technology and innovation.
Workforce Development: A Growing Priority
The rapid advancement of technology and the demand for skilled workers in fields such as automation, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure development have placed workforce readiness at the center of educational planning. As industries increasingly rely on automated processes and complex systems, the need for highly specialized technical training has never been greater. These shifts are shaping the design of both K-12 schools and higher education institutions, which must integrate state-of-the-art technologies into their curricula and physical spaces.
Integrating Advanced Manufacturing and Automation into Education
Kim Thompson Smith shares, "Workforce development in higher education is evolving to meet the needs of both employers and students. We're seeing more emphasis on programs that incorporate automation and advanced manufacturing. In designing spaces like the PVCC Advanced Technology Training Center, we focus on creating environments that are flexible, adaptable, and equipped with the tools students need to succeed in a high-tech workforce." Kim adds, "Our role as architects is to ensure that educational facilities inspire curiosity and provide a platform for students to innovate. By integrating emerging technologies into design, we can create spaces that not only reflect current industry needs but also prepare students to lead in fields we can only begin to imagine."
Located in Central Virginia, the PVCC Advanced Technology Training Center is designed to support the region’s growth by providing technical training in advanced fields like automation, robotics, and manufacturing. On track to become the first Virginia Community College Building to achieve net-zero energy. This achievement underscores a broader trend in educational architecture to embrace sustainability alongside technological innovation.
Harry Stillerman, VP for Institutional Advancement & Development at PVCC, emphasizes the center’s broader impact: "As we expand the Workforce Development programs, we’ll raise the skill levels and increase job prospects for individuals in our community that will lead them to financial security." This vision is embodied in the center's design, which prioritizes flexibility to accommodate rapidly changing technologies.
Randolph College Robotics Lab Expansion
Another exciting development in higher education is Randolph College’s new Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering Lab renovation. The lab, located in the adjacent building to the Martin Science Center, builds on the foundation of STEM innovation at the college. Though a relatively small project, it significantly enhances the depth and background of the college’s engineering programs, supporting hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration.
K-12 Institutions as Workforce Development Catalysts
On the K-12 front, schools are evolving to provide students with the skills they need for a rapidly changing job market. In the Shihadeh Innovation Center, a collaboration between Winchester Public Schools and Lord Fairfax Community College, Rob Winstead notes how this space is helping shape future workers: "By integrating programs that emphasize hands-on learning in fields like automation and advanced manufacturing, we’re giving students a clear path to technical careers. The Shihadeh Innovation Center is a prime example of how design can support workforce development from an early age."
This facility, designed for both high school students and community college programs, creates a seamless connection between secondary education and higher education pathways in technical fields. Its success illustrates how educational spaces can directly contribute to local workforce development goals, enhancing opportunities for students and meeting industry demands for a skilled workforce.
Supporting the Broader Community: The DC Infrastructure Academy
The DC Infrastructure Academy at the former Spingarn High School further exemplifies the role of workforce development. Rob explains, "This project blends vocational training with traditional education, equipping students with the skills they need to succeed in critical infrastructure jobs. It’s a model for integrating community-based workforce needs with educational design."
This city-wide workforce development program, through DC’s Department of Employment, prepares students for careers in infrastructure, offering training in construction and maintenance skills essential for urban development. Like the Shihadeh Innovation Center, the DC Infrastructure Academy is a prime example of how K-12 schools can provide meaningful, real-world training that bridges the gap between education and industry.
Designing for the Future Workforce
The need to integrate advanced technologies into K-12, higher education institutions, and our communities is clear. As workforce development continues to be a key priority for educators, industry leaders, and policymakers, the role of architecture is pivotal in shaping environments that foster learning and innovation.
At VMDO Architects, the future of education lies in creating flexible, adaptable spaces that prepare students for the ever-evolving workforce. Whether through advanced manufacturing labs or hands-on infrastructure training spaces, we are committed to designing environments that empower the next generation of workers to succeed in their chosen fields. We’re committed to push the boundaries of educational design, ensuring that both K-12 and higher education institutions are equipped to meet the needs of students and the industries that will hire them.
