SVAM Celebrates Students Committing to Manufacturing Careers at Signing Day Event
The Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing (SVAM) celebrated six local students during a Manufacturing Careers Signing Day held Friday, May 15, 2025, at the Smyth County Career and Technology Center in Marion.
The event recognized students from Smyth, Tazewell, and Washington Counties who are pursuing careers in skilled trades, engineering, and advanced manufacturing while showcasing the strong network of support that exists in Southwest Virginia — from K-12 education and career training programs to higher education and regional employers.
During the ceremony, each student signed a letter of intent committing to pursue a career in manufacturing in Southwest Virginia. Students were also recognized as recipients of SVAM’s 2026 Manufacturing Careers Scholarship and were presented with certificates of award in support of their continued education and training.
The ceremony highlighted a multi-step pathway from classroom to career, bringing together students, parents, educators, career and technical centers, colleges, workforce partners, manufacturers, and community leaders in celebration of the region’s future workforce.
In addition to signing their own commitments, each student received letters of intent from all eight participating manufacturing companies. These letters represented commitments from regional employers to provide students with employment interviews upon completion of their education and training programs.
“Manufacturing remains one of the most important career sectors in our region, and these students represent the future of that workforce,” said Lennie Gail Mitcham, Executive Director of the Southwest Virginia Alliance for Manufacturing. “This event was designed to show students that they are supported every step of the way — from their schools and families to colleges, workforce partners, and local manufacturers who are ready to invest in their success.”
The event featured presentations from educational institutions, career and technical education representatives, workforce partners, and manufacturers, all reinforcing the importance of collaboration in building Southwest Virginia’s skilled workforce pipeline.
SVAM would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Smyth County Career and Technology Center for hosting the event and supporting efforts to connect students with meaningful career opportunities in manufacturing.
Participating students included:
- Daniel Medearis, Abingdon High School, pursuing Engineering
- Emma Mittag, Abingdon High School, pursuing Engineering
- Campbell Hrovatic, Richlands High School, pursuing Engineering
- Gabe Gross, Tazewell High School, pursuing Mechatronics
- Caden Burchett, Marion Senior High School, pursuing Engineering
- Owen Prater, Northwood High School, pursuing Electrical Manufacturing
Participating companies included Smyth County Machine, Mohawk Industries, Woodgrain, Utility Trailer Manufacturing Co. of Atkins & Glade Spring, Virginia Insulated Products Inc., Special T Manufacturing, and Real Performance Machinery, each of which provided letters of intent offering employment interviews to students after they complete their education and training.
Together, the event served as a powerful reminder that rewarding, high-demand careers in manufacturing are available close to home and that Southwest Virginia organizations are working together to create clear pathways for students to succeed.
