LOUISA COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- For the first time, Louisa County students who are pursuing a career in a specific trade were recognized.

Louisa County Public Schools held its first-ever Career and Technical Education Signing Day ceremony on Wednesday.

The more than 40 students recognized are going to be joining the workforce right out of high school, joining the military, or continuing their education in a trade.

“It’s a great day as we celebrate. Celebrate with our parents, celebrate with our employee-sponsors, celebrate with our students, celebrate with our staff,” said LCPS Superintendent Doug Straley. “Our students here that are doing great things and are headed into the workforce, headed into the military or headed into a two or four-year school into one of our credential programs, it’s a great opportunity to recognize folks who are doing great things and to build a stronger workforce is so important.”

Local businesses have helped the school division get to this point by serving as community partners in the CTE program.

The program includes hands-on courses in various fields, such as cosmetology, construction, nursing, welding, and more.