"The finest steel has to go through the hottest fire." - Richard M. Nixon

Are you someone who likes to build, create, and solve problems with your hands? Are you looking for a path to a successful, high-paying career that doesn't require a four-year degree and a mountain of debt?

​Welcome to Acuitur. Our program, The Forging Process, is a hands-on, tuition-free journey that transforms your potential into a professional career. We provide you with the skills, certifications, and connections to land a great job in a high-demand industry right here in Richmond. This is where you stop just learning and start doing.

​Our curriculum is a three-stage process designed to guide you from exploration to employment.

Every great tool starts as a solid piece of steel, or a "billet." This first track is all about building your foundation and heating your potential. It's designed for you to discover your passions and learn the core skills every professional needs, all while exploring the amazing opportunities in the skilled trades.

What you'll experience:

• ​Core Skills for Life: Before you touch the advanced equipment, you'll master the fundamentals that make you a safe, valuable, and efficient team member. You'll earn your OSHA 10 safety card, become certified in CPR & First Aid, and learn the principles of operational excellence (IWS, Lean, 5S, Six Sigma) that top companies use every day.
• ​Find Your Trade: Not sure if you're a welder, a machinist, or a data center tech? No problem. You'll get to experience all of our core disciplines through hands-on trade rotations. You'll spend time in each workshop, learning the basics and finding the craft that excites you the most.
• ​More Than a Workshop: We'll sharpen your mind with engaging STEM enrichment projects that show you the science and math behind the work. You'll also participate in community service, using your new skills to make a real difference and learn the value of giving back.

Once you've found your path, it's time to become a master. In this track, you will dive deep into your chosen trade, learning from experts and working on complex projects. This is where we shape your raw talent into the skills of a true craftsman or technician.

​What you'll experience:

• ​Choose Your Craft: You will select a specialized pre-apprenticeship in Machining, Welding, Data Center Technology, Pipefitting, or HVAC. This focused track is your launchpad to becoming an expert.
• Learn from the Pros: You'll move beyond the basics into advanced skills, working with the same state-of-the-art tools and technology used by our corporate partners. You’ll learn the theory and, more importantly, put it into practice every single day.
• Build Your Portfolio: You won’t just leave with knowledge; you'll leave with proof. Through project-based learning, you'll build an impressive portfolio of your work that you can show to future employers as undeniable evidence of your skills.

A great blade needs a final honing on the leather strap to achieve a razor's edge. This last track is all about that final polish. We'll equip you with the professional skills to confidently launch your career and connect you directly with companies that are ready to hire.

​What you'll experience:

• Get Career-Ready: We'll teach you how to build a professional resume, create a standout portfolio, and master the art of the interview. You'll learn how to communicate effectively and conduct yourself like a seasoned professional.
• ​Earn Your Certifications: You will complete your training by taking final competency exams and earning valuable, industry-recognized certifications. These are the qualifications employers are looking for and respect.
• Launch Your Career: This is the ultimate goal. We will connect you directly with our network of top-tier corporate partners. You'll participate in on-site interviews, have opportunities for internships and co-ops, and receive direct employment offers.