About

Our Vision & Mission

Empowering the Next Generation of Virginia’s Workforce

The transition from high school to adulthood is one of the most significant milestones in a young person’s life. For students with disabilities, this transition requires more than just a diploma, it requires a bridge.

The Work Skills Training Center for Youth Inc. was established to be that bridge. We provide a specialized Career and Technical Education environment where 8th-12th grade students engage in authentic Work-Based Learning experiences. Our vision is a community where every young adult, regardless of their learning style, has a clear path to meaningful employment and independence.

The Story Behind
the Center

Founded on Expertise and Heart.

Our founder, Nicole Wyant, understands that “work-readiness” isn’t learned from a textbook. It is learned by doing. With 17 years of experience in special education and a specialist certification in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Nicole has dedicated her career to advocating for students who thrive in hands-on environments.

After years of seeing students graduate without the practical tools needed for the modern workforce, she set out to create a dedicated space in Goshen, Virginia. By focusing on the unique needs of youth in Rockbridge, Bath, Highland, Augusta, Staunton, Waynesboro, Buena Vista, Lexington, Covington, Craigsville, Alleghany, and surrounding areas, Nicole has designed a center that combines evidence-based instructional strategies with real-world vocational application.

Our Future Home in Goshen

A Space to Grow.

Opening in June 2026, our center is more than a school, it is a community hub. Our facility will feature:

  • A Professional Kitchen:
    For culinary arts and hospitality training.
  • A Working Greenhouse & Garden:
    For agricultural and horticultural studies.
  • A Student-Run Retail Space:
    For inventory management, customer service, and point-of-sale training.

Be a Part of
Our Journey.

Whether you are a school administrator looking for a placement partner, a parent seeking the best for your child, or a community member wanting to support our mission, we invite you to grow with us.

Image recognizing Nicole Wyant as an influential woman, featuring her photo alongside her title as a special education teacher and nonprofit founder at Work Skills Training Center for Youth Incorporated.