On Feb. 3, Vincent D’Agostino, principal of the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology, warmly greeted a sizeable crowd and opened up the first Technical School Night held at the Trade School. Fifteen technical schools and organizations were present that night, answering questions and encouraging current and former students to apply for their programs.

Among the represented schools were J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, Empire Beauty Schools, Newport News Apprentice School, the Culinary Institute of America and the Advanced Technology Institute. Some of the programs the schools offered include Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Welding, Culinary Arts and Commercial Driving.

Other opportunities are available to students while they are still in high school. The Hanover Center for Trades and Technology offers a number of courses in Automotive Technology, Cosmetology, Culinary Arts and other areas in order to give high school students the skills they need to secure a job in a chosen area.

Hanover senior Kenny DuVall has a position as an apprentice with the Witten Brothers of Ashland, a car dealership, which also provides services and maintenance work for vehicles.

"My step-mom found the job on Craigslist and then the principal [D’Agostino] and my teachers helped me with my resume and stuff, and now I’m working for them," DuVall said.

DuVall has been taking automotive and industrial technology courses at the Hanover Center for Trades and Technology for three years. He was rewarded for his hard work with employment in a job he enjoys.

"I got to test drive the new vehicle today. It was a nice new car. Driving it just really made my day," DuVall said.

Beginning in March and April, the Trade School will also offer six evening courses to people who are no longer in high school or don’t have time to take courses during the day. The classes are Automotive Upkeep, Basic Haircutting Techniques, Beginning Conversational Spanish, Introduction to Microsoft Word 2003 and Lawn Equipment Care and Repair. All courses will be conducted weekly from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 15, 22 and 29, as well as April 5, 12 and 26. Tuition is $100 and includes all materials.