Yesterday the Danville Planning Commission recommended approval of a proposed trade school. SPM Empowerment and Skills is wanting to open a trade school in the Nor Dan Shopping Center.

The trade school will offer painting, carpentry, electrical, and HVAC. The program is certified and state approved.

The school currently has five certified teachers and plans to hire more. The school is also working in partnerships with both DCC and Averett.

SPM hopes the first cohort will have about 25 students and grow up to 150 students by the end of the first year.

SPM plans to upfit the 17,000 square foot facility to accommodate the trade school that would be located next to the ABC store in Nor Dan Shopping Center.

PlanDanville’s Future Land Use Plan supports service-oriented and commercial uses in existing developed areas. The proposed vocational/trade school is consistent with this intended land‐use. In addition, this project supports the plan’s “Lifelong Learning” goal by enhancing workforce and trade skills development for residents.

Danville City Council will vote on the proposed trade school on January 6.