It was a day to celebrate old partnerships and new pathways at the Oberle Academy on Thursday as the school opened the doors to the Wilson Career and Technical Center. The facility is the latest iteration of the school’s decade-long partnership with Germanna Community College, which first began with a single college prep course more than a decade ago.
Located across from the main building on Willis Street in downtown Fredericksburg, the Wilson Career and Technical Center will offer students the opportunity for hands on experience in a variety of trades, including welding, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, small engine repair and forklift operation.
Founded in 1991 by Gladys Oberle and Joan McLaughlin, the Academy has offered private, specialized education for students age 11-22. The school already provides courses in horticulture, photography, cosmetology and culinary classes in addition to its fine arts, foreign languages and core classes.
McLaughlin was on-site at Thursday’s event, watching along as Oberle Academy CEO / President Al Fagan, Germanna President Dr. Janet Gullickson and and two Academy students cut a red ribbon to open the new facility.
“We want our children to be successful. This partnership between Oberle and Germanna is about our love for students. That’s what drives us,” Gullickson said before last Thursday’s ribbon cutting.
Germanna Community College says it plans on using the Wilson Career and Technical Center to host weekend and evening instruction in the skilled trades for adult learners.
