Department of Facilities & Fleet Management Partners with Unity Reed High School for Skilled Trades Expo

Recently, approximately 100 students from Unity Reed High School (URHS) engaged in a hands-on exploration of skilled trades opportunities through an event hosted by the Prince William County Department of Facilities and Fleet Management (FFM). Held at the school's driver’s education range, the event aimed to inspire students to consider careers in public service and skilled trades. 

FFM’s Building and Grounds and Fleet Management divisions provided an engaging show-and-tell experience, showcasing various vehicles and maintenance equipment. The Prince William County Police Department also participated, bringing emergency response vehicles and personnel to illustrate the technical aspects of maintaining and programming emergency lights and hybrid vehicles. 

In addition, FFM’s Buildings and Grounds division featured plumbing, electrical and HVAC technicians and their equipment, alongside grounds and snow removal specialists and their machinery. 

FFM Director Matt Villareale encouraged the students to envision a future in public service, highlighting the significant role skilled trades play within the community. 

URHS senior Henry Machuca Lopez expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "You weren't just told what the department is and what they do, but you were shown."  

Machuca Lopez first learned about the event through URHS College Advisor Diane Jung and his electrical teacher, Mr. Davis. He had previously participated in the 2024 FFMCareerEx, a two-week summer externship that offered an immersive experience with FFM operations and Prince William County government, sparking his interest in pursuing civil engineering. 

The collaboration between URHS and FFM began to take shape in May 2024, when Diane Jung, inspired by a Prince William County Public Schools (PWCPS) video showcasing a similar event at Woodbridge High School, reached out to FFM's Workforce and Professional Development Coordinator to organize a skilled trades expo for the new school year. 

Jung and FFM leadership share a unified vision of empowering students to create career pathway plans, whether through college, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training. This partnership exemplifies how industry and educational institutions can collaborate to provide students with real-world exposure and inspire future career choices. 

“It’s so important that we help students see all the different paths they can take for their future,” said FFM Professional Development Intern and Apprenticeship Coordinator Tim Mason. “Whether it’s college, an apprenticeship, or jumping straight into on-the-job training, we want them to know there are so many opportunities out there. Partnerships like this one between industry and schools make a real difference because they give students that firsthand experience and inspiration to find the career that’s right for them.” 

FFM’s dedicated involvement with PWCPS has included more than 100 school interactions over the past two years, earning the department a platinum-level partnership recognition for the 2023-24 school year.