External Training Option (ETO) Program

External Training Options

WWRC's External Training Option (ETO) Program, approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), offers customized, community-based training for qualified individuals in the local community surrounding WWRC, as well as in select communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

ETO students in the local community are able to take advantage of the many excellent support services available through WWRC while pursuing their training program. The ETO Program affords students with a real-world work experience to demonstrate mastery of and apply acquired skills in an industry setting, under the guidance of a business mentor.

ETO experiences are graded by the business mentor and serve as a final, independent evaluation of the student's skill attainment and mastery. Students may choose from over 100 different occupational programs.

To participate in the statewide ETO Program, students must have adequate transportation and housing. Dependent on the chosen field of training, ETO participants may be eligible to study and sit for industry-recognized workforce credentials.

To be eligible for participation in the ETO Program, applicants must:

Meet WWRC admission criteria
Demonstrate maturity, a positive attitude, appropriate independence, and appropriate interpersonal skills
Have a Vocational Evaluation recommending requested training objective or pertinent experience documentation

When students enroll in ETO, an ETO Instructor will create a competency-based curriculum designed for entry level employment in that field, in consultation with the assigned business mentor, and will closely monitor the student’s progress toward mastery of identified competencies as documented on the Vocational Skills Record for that student. To view a sample Vocational Skills Record, Click here.

A student must demonstrate mastery of a minimum 80% of core competencies to be eligible for graduation.

Sample ETO Training Programs include:

Auto Body Detailer O*Net Code 53-7061.00
Program Length: 420-560 clock hours, typically 60-80 instructional days or 3-4 months (1 Semester)
Employment Options: Aircraft Cleaner, Auto Detailer, Car Wash Detailer, Re-conditioner, Sanitation Truck Cleaner.

Auto Body Repairer O*Net Code 49-3021.00
Program Length: 1500 clock hours, typically 240 instructional days or 12 months (2 Semesters)
Employment Options: Auto Body Technician, Auto Body Repairer/Repairman, Automotive Painter, Auto Body and Frame Person.

Animal Care Assistant O*Net Code 39-2021.00
Program Length: 750 clock hours, typically 120 training days or 6 months (2 Semester)
Employment Options: Animal Caregiver, Animal Care Technician, Kennel Attendant, Kennel Technician.

Child Care Worker O*Net Code 39-9011.00
Program Length: 750-1000 clock hours, typically 60-80 training days or 3-4 months (1 Semester)
Employment Options: Before or After School Daycare Worker, Child Care Provider, Child Care Worker, Children/Youth Caregiver, Teacher Assistant.

Commercial Cleaner O*Net Code 37-2011.00
Program Length: 750 clock hours, typically 120 training days or 6 months (2 Semesters)
Employment Options: Building Custodian, Custodial Worker, Custodian, Floor Technician, Janitor.

Electrician's Assistant O*Net Code 47-3013.00
Program Length: 1250-1500 clock hours, typically 200-240 training days, or 10-12 months (2 Semesters)
Employment Options: Apprentice Electrician, Cable Puller, Electrician’s Helper.

General Service Technician (Automotive) O*Net Code 49-3023.02
Program Length: 750 clock hours, typically 120 training days or 6 months (2 Semesters)
Employment Options: Service departments of new and used car dealers, service centers, independent repair garages and service stations. Job titles may include Auto Technician, Auto Mechanic and Automotive Worker.

Groundskeeper/Horticulture O*Net Code 37-3011.00
Program Length: 750-1000 clock hours, typically 120-160 training days or 6-8 months (2 Semesters)
Employment Options: Gardener Assistant, Greenskeeper Aide, Grounds Maintenance Worker, Outside Maintenance Worker, Utility Worker.

Heating/Air Conditioning (HVAC) Assistant O*Net Code 49-9021.01
Program Length: 1250-1500 clock hours, typically 200-240 training days or 10-12 months (2 Semesters)
Employment Options: A/C Tech, HVAC Installer (Heating/Ventillation/A/C Installer), HVAC Mechanic, HVAC Service Tech, Service Technician.

Pet Groomer O*Net Code 37-2011.00
Program Length: 1000-1125 clock hours, typically 160-180 training days or 8-9 months (2 Semesters)
Employment Options: Animal Caregiver, Dog Groomer, Groomer, Kennel Assistant, Pet Groomer, Pet Stylist.

Plumber's Assistant O*Net Code 47-3015.00
Program Length: 1250-1500 clock hours, typically 200-240 training days or 10-12 months (2 Semesters)
Employment Options: Apprentice Plumber, Drain Technician, Plumber’s Helper, Service Technician.