Immediate Release:
MANASSAS, Va. (May 5, 2026) — To kick off Construction Safety Week, May 4–8, Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) and HITT Contracting are announcing a $300,000 gift from HITT to the NOVA Educational Foundation. The three-year investment beginning in 2026 will help bridge the region’s skilled trades gap, underscoring HITT’s commitment to supporting education and training for the next generation of builders.
Championing the People Who Will Build Our Future
This investment directly supports the Manassas Skilled Trades Center, currently under construction on NOVA’s Manassas Campus. The 24,000-square-foot facility will significantly expand programming and capacity for automotive, electric vehicle (EV), hybrid, diesel power generation and facilities maintenance technology.
Central to this facility is the newly named HITT Energy Innovation Lab, which will serve as the hub for specialized workforce training in electrical and trade skills.
Meeting a Significant Regional Need
This investment arrives at a critical moment for Northern Virginia. While many associate electricians with traditional wiring, today’s roles have gone high-tech, with professionals increasingly responsible for advanced systems such as building automation, low-voltage networks, energy storage, and EV charging infrastructure. State data from the Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) identifies "Electricians" as a top-tier workforce priority, with thousands of new tradespeople needed over the next decade.
The HITT Energy Innovation Lab at the Manassas Skilled Trades Center is designed to meet this demand, training a new generation of technicians to support the region and its economy.
“This partnership is about providing access to a learning environment that inspires excellence,” said Anne M. Kress, president of Northern Virginia Community College. “By pairing world-class facilities and equipment with a curriculum that evolves alongside the workforce, we are ensuring our students stay ahead of industry needs.”
“We’re proud to partner with Northern Virginia Community College through the HITT Contracting Foundation to invest in the next generation of builders,” said HITT Co-President Evan Antonides. “The demand for skilled trades professionals continues to grow, and this partnership helps prepare students with both the technical skills and the values that define our industry, including a deep respect for safety and a responsibility to look out for one another on every jobsite.”
A Natural Alignment of Values
This collaboration reflects HITT’s hallmark culture of care, which emphasizes that safety is more than physical health to include how individuals are trained, prepared, and supported on every jobsite. This aligns with NOVA’s mission to ensure student success through high-quality technical education and career opportunities.
“The Manassas Skilled Trades Center is a game-changing facility for the Northern Virginia region,” said Dr. Molly Lynch, provost of NOVA’s Manassas Campus. “By fostering an environment that embodies empowerment and care, we are preparing our students to step directly into the high-paying careers that power and build Northern Virginia’s infrastructure.”
Building Northern Virginia’s Future
The groundbreaking for the new Manassas Skilled Trades Center took place last year, and the facility is expected to open in spring 2027. This partnership marks a major milestone in creating a vital pipeline for high-demand technical careers. By combining HITT’s industry leadership with NOVA’s educational reach, the center will serve as a premier hub for training the professionals who will support and sustain Northern Virginia’s future.
Media Contact: Kathy Parkinson | 703.577.2828 | kparkinson@nvcc.edu
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Media Resources & Data Sources:
- Regional Workforce Projections: Visit the Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) for labor market data and occupational research regarding specialized technician growth in the Commonwealth.
About Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Educational Foundation
The NOVA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) established in 1979, raises private funding and facilitates partnerships to advance Northern Virginia Community College's strategic priorities and emerging needs.
Led by a dedicated professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors, the Foundation’s initiatives include expanded campus facilities, student scholarships and grants, educational equipment, faculty retention, and innovative programs across the college’s six campuses. For more information, visit giving.nvcc.edu.
About Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Northern Virginia Community College is the largest public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth of Virginia and one of America’s largest community colleges. NOVA enrolls more than 76,000 students at its six campuses in Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Springfield and Woodbridge and through NOVA Online. For more information about NOVA and its programs or services, call 703-323-3000 or visit NOVA’s website.
About the HITT Contracting
HITT Contracting provides a wide range of commercial construction services across the nation, including complex core and shell buildings, renovations, interior fit-outs, and routine service work. No matter the project size or type, HITT delivers a premium construction experience. With 2025 revenues of $13.1 billion and more than 3,300 team members nationwide, HITT is ranked among the top 10 largest general contractors in the U.S. For nearly 90 years, the Washington, D.C.-area headquartered firm has been driven by a spark of curiosity to push boundaries and redefine what’s possible in construction. Through innovation, sustainability, and partnership, HITT is igniting progress and tackling the industry’s greatest challenges while consistently delivering exceptional building experiences. Learn more about HITT’s general contracting capabilities at hitt.com