6AM City In-house

Business

Why Virginians continue to turn to skilled trades ⚒️
Presented by a RICtoday Partner
A group of Woodfin technicians working on a generator
Woodfin encourages its employees to grow and develop, providing all of the resources they need to do so. | Photo provided by Woodfin - Your Home Team
62%. That’s the percentage of companies currently struggling to fill positions in the skilled trades industry. Why? Companies are still feeling the effects of the pandemic — and more positions are opening due to aging workers looking to retire, which leaves even more positions to fill.

The good news: The skilled trades industry as a whole is expected to grow 10% by 2028. However, demand for workers continues to outpace supply.

Read: If you’re unemployed, recently graduated, or looking to switch jobs, now is a good time to consider the skilled trades industry. Richmond-based company Woodfin - Your Home Team specializes in home services + maintenance needs like heating and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing + more — and can also help potential pros get started in the field:
  • Apprenticeship: An apprenticeship with Woodfin typically involves a combination of full-time employment and trade school over the course of four years. Woodfin’s apprentices have the opportunity to work a standard 40-hour work week to support themselves and their families while attending trade school one or two nights per week. Trade school for apprentices is paid for 100% by Woodfin.
  • Road Map: Woodfin offers its technicians a clear direction on professional growth throughout their entire careers. From an entry-level apprentice to a Master Technician, the Road Map shows employees what skills they can gain to further their career. Each technician travels at their own pace; they can grow and develop as quickly as they would like.
  • Benefits: Employees are offered a range of affordable + extensive benefits plans, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, contributions to retirement and 401K, wellness workshops, and more.
  • Culture: Woodfin’s culture may very well be its most valuable asset. It’s built on the company’s core values of humility, integrity, and respect.
A group picture of the Woodfin team

Another benefit of working at Woodfin? An Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides employees with financial, mental health, legal, and other resources.

Photo provided by Woodfin - Your Home Team


Interested in joining the Woodfin team? Talk with them about what path works best for you, whether that’s an apprenticeship (best for those with little to no experience) or straight to the application if you meet the outlined qualifications. There’s open registration for the program in the fall and spring.

Apply for open positions (including Plumbing Technicians, HVAC Service Techs, Generator Maintenance Techs, and more) or refer someone who might be a good fit.*
EXPLORE OPEN POSITIONS
This content was created in partnership with Woodfin-Your Home Team and written by Rachel Taylor-Northam.*
How many years has Woodfin been serving the Richmond area?

A. 25 years
B. 33 years
C. 45 years
D. 52 years
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Woodfin

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Friday, Jan. 6
  • First Fridays for the Whole Family | Friday, Jan. 6 | 5-8 p.m. | Virginia Museum of History & Culture, 428 N. Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond | Free | Get free admission to the museum and enjoy happy hour, food trucks, music, and family fun.
Saturday, Jan. 7
  • “Soul” | Saturday, Jan. 7, Saturday, Jan. 14 | 10 a.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $5 | This 2020 Disney Pixar film won two Academy Awards.
  • Damian Allen | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 1-3 p.m. | Hardywood Park Craft Brewery, 2410 Ownby Ln., Richmond | Free | Hear acoustic renditions of your favorite songs and grab a bite from the Hardywood Pizza Kitchen.
  • Sun Against Artemis | Saturday, Jan. 7 | 7 p.m. | The Canal Club, 1545 E. Cary St., Richmond | $12-$15 | The post-hardcore band will play with 3Peace, Terrafirma, Loxias, and Everybody Gets One.
Sunday, Jan. 8
  • Late Night Brunch RVA | Sunday, Jan. 8 | 6 p.m.-12 a.m. | Stadium Sports Bar, 119 N. 18th St., Richmond | Free | Satisfy your late night munchies with your favorite breakfast foods, live music, and drinks.

We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS
Children's Hospital Foundation

Weather
  • 54º | Mostly sunny | 2% chance of rain
Civic
  • Michael Jones is the new president of Richmond City Council after he was elected, unopposed, at a meeting this week. Jones has represented the 9th District since 2017. Kristen Nye Larson, who represents the 4th, will be vice president. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Transit
  • GRTC has announced several route changes which will go into effect on Sunday, Jan. 29. Routes 1B and 1C in Southside should see frequency improvements from 60 minutes to 30 minutes. Routes 77 and 78 will become hourly instead of every 45 minutes, and a few other routes will be adjusted. 🚌 (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Number
  • $52 million. That’s how much the Virginia Dept. of Conservation of Recreation will award in state flood resilience grants. Richmond will receive over $7 million to go towards acquiring Mayo Island. 💸 (Virginia Mercury)
Real Estate
  • An apartment building on Arthur Ashe Boulevard that has been condemned since its roof blew off over the summer has sold for $1.25 million. Local landlord Steve Tartakovsky bought the building and plans to fix the roof, conduct repairs, and have the units ready by March. (Richmond BizSense)
Arts
  • Richmond street artist Knitorious M.E.G. — known for leaving yarn bombs around town for over a decade — has another project in the works. Starting Monday, Jan. 30, visitors at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden will be able to stroll through the new installation “Lovers Lane.” It’ll remain up through March 31. 🧶
  • Know a local artist or nonprofit? CultureWorks Richmond is preparing to open its Annual Grants Program at the end of the month. Register to attend one of four info sessions, in-person and virtual, to learn about funding opportunities for creative projects that benefit our region.
Try This
  • RVA Yoga Hang is hosting an hour-long, all-level class on Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. at Starr Hill in Scott’s Addition. The $30 ticket includes a post-flow beer. Bring your own mat and wear layers — the class will take place on the rooftop deck under the heated tent. 🍺
Seasonal
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6AM City In-house

Book it to these sales 📚

Shop for your next read at these two book sales
The shelves at Belmont Library, lined with books
Access to tons of books is just the start at RPL. | Photo by RICtoday
If reading more is your New Year’s resolution — or if you’re a year-round bookworm — there are two used book sales this weekend to check out.

Friends of the Richmond Public Library’s January Book Sale is going on tonight and tomorrow at the Main Branch (101 E. Franklin St.). Shop the half-price sale tonight from 7-9 p.m. Tomorrow from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., bring your own bag and fill it with books for only $10 — $5 for teachers with current school ID.

The VMHC’s Annual Used Book Sale also kicks off today and lasts through Monday, Jan. 16. Browse fiction and nonfiction books — many have historical connections — in the Museum Store from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. each day. Proceeds will go towards VMHC Education initiatives.

Bonus: You can also bring gently-used, historically themed books to donate to VMHC’s sale.
6AM City In-house
THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Robin.

Editor’s pick: I plan on swinging by the book sale and First Fridays at the VMHC today. If you see me, say hey. 👋

Missed our last newsletter? We’re helping you meet your New Year’s resolutions.
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Editorial: Robin Schwartzkopf, Josh Kranzberg, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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