VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBCPS) will hold the grand opening for its new “First Spark” welding lab and classroom on Friday, Sept. 6.

According to VBCPS, the new space will help bridge the skills gap in the region’s shipbuilding industry.

The$2 million investment is collaborative protect between VBCPS, BlueForge Alliance and the Regional Maritime Training System powered by the Hampton Roads Workforce Council.

School Board members, members of the Virginia Beach City Council and governmental leaders including Matthew Zirkle (Regional Director, Submarine Industrial Base / Rear Admiral, USN (Ret.) and Shawn Avery, CEO, Hampton Roads Workforce Council will be in attendance.

The event will be held at noon at the Virginia Beach Technical and Career Education Center, 2925 North Landing Road in Virginia Beach.