SCHOOL CATALOG
Online Trade School LLC.
Virtual Trade Academy
School Catalog
Volume: #1| Effective Date: 01/01/2026
126 Oakland Dr | Piedmont, SC 29673
Phone: 864-741-3935 | info@virtualtradeacademy.com| Website: VirtualTradeAcademy.com
Table of Contents
1. Institutional Information and Purpose
2. Licensure Disclosure and Student Complaints
3. Programs of Study
4. Admissions and Enrollment
5. Academic Policies
6. Tuition, Fees, and Other Charges
7. Cancellation and Refund Policy
8. Student Records and Privacy
9. Student Conduct and Disciplinary Policy
10. Employment and Career Services Disclosures
1. Institutional Information and Purpose
This catalog provides current and prospective students with information about programs of study, tuition and fees, academic policies, student services, and student rights and responsibilities.
Owners:
William Lardieri President ; Damian Lardieri Provost.
Mission / Purpose:
Our mission is to ignite hope and transform lives in underserved communities by harnessing cutting-edge VR technology for accessible online training and certifications in vital trades like HVAC, Electrical, Appliance Repair, and Plumbing with ambitious expansions into Health care and more. We champion WIOA-eligible dreamers and self paying trailblazers, forging unbreakable pathways to thriving, certified careers and a brighter future for all who dare to rise.
Non-Discrimination Statement:
Virtual Trade Academy is committed to providing equal opportunities in education and employment to all individuals without discrimination. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristics under applicable federal or state or local laws. This policy applies to all aspects of our operation, including admission, enrollment, instruction, certification, access to financial assistance such as WIOA grants, hiring, promotion, compensation, and other employment practices, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, pursue their career aspirations in the trades and beyond, and contribute to our mission.
Facilities and Equipment:
Warehouse with office desk and computers, admissions and processing will be done remotely
VR headsets and laptops available for students to purchase in some cases provided as part of the program
2. Licensure Disclosure and Student Complaints
Licensure Disclosure (Required):
Licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (SC CHE).
South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, 1122 Lady St., Suite 400, Columbia, SC 29201; (803) 737-2260.
Licensure indicates that minimum standards have been met; it is not equal to or synonymous with accreditation.
Student Complaints:
Students should first attempt to resolve complaints through the school’s internal complaint process. If the issue cannot be resolved, a student may submit a written complaint to SC CHE (Academic Affairs & Licensing) using the Commission’s complaint procedures and form.
3. Programs of Study
The following non-degree programs are proposed for initial licensure. Program details (tuition, start dates, required tools, and lab schedules) must be finalized prior to publication of the final catalog.
HVAC Technician Program
Program Length / Credential: 120 clock hours | Certificate of Completion (non-credit)
Delivery: Online instruction with scheduled in-person skill labs (as applicable).
Program Overview / Competencies:
Fundamentals of HVAC systems, components, and operation.
Safety practices aligned to OSHA principles and jobsite expectations.
Refrigeration concepts, evacuation/charging basics, and EPA 608 exam preparation.
Basic electrical theory and diagnostic methods used in HVAC service.
Preventative maintenance and sequence-of-operations fundamentals.
Appliance Repair Technician Program
Program Length / Credential: 120 clock hours | Certificate of Completion (non-credit)
Delivery: Online instruction with scheduled in-person skill labs (as applicable).
Program Overview / Competencies:
Tools, customer service, and ethical repair practices.
Safety training (OSHA content) appropriate to the scope of instruction.
Electrical fundamentals for appliance diagnosis, including meter use.
Refrigeration and cooling systems basics, including EPA exam preparation.
Diagnosis and service of washers, cooking appliances, dishwashers, and disposals.
Electrical Technician Program
Program Length / Credential: 120 clock hours | Certificate of Completion (non-credit)
Delivery: Online instruction with in-person skill labs (as applicable).
Program Overview / Competencies:
Tools, materials, and electrical fundamentals used in residential/light commercial work.
Circuit basics, installation concepts, and safety practices.
Introduction to code concepts and inspection readiness.
Jobsite professionalism and best practices.
Plumbing Technician Program
Program Length / Credential: 120 clock hours | Certificate of Completion (non-credit)
Delivery: Online instruction with in-person skill labs (as applicable).
Program Overview / Competencies:
Plumbing system basics, tools, safety, and materials identification.
Pipe joining methods and basic installation practices.
Fixture installation, repair, and troubleshooting.
Water heater fundamentals and maintenance concepts.
4. Admissions and Enrollment
Admissions Requirements:
Minimum age: 18.
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
Government issued photo ID.
Ability to read and understand English.
complete Admission Interview.
Technology requirements for online learning: CPU 1 GHz or higher
RAM: 2 GB or higher
Screen Resolution: 1280 x 720 or higher
Microsoft Windows 7/10 or MAC OSX 10+
The above is to run the program only computer stats are as follows
8gb of RAM/ high speed internet/ The app will work off most phones newer than3 years
Enrollment Process:
Complete application form online
The admission team reviews and contact you withing 48 hours.
review acceptance email and next step documents.
Review catalog and enrollment agreement prior to signing.
Confirm start date, payment plan, and required tools/supplies.
Complete enrollment agreement and payment.
5. Academic Policies
Satisfactory Progress and Grading:
Grading Scale
Grade Percentage Description
A 90-100% EXCELLENT
B 80-90% GOOD
C 70-79% SATISFACTORY
D 60-69% NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
F BELOW 60% UNSATISFACTORY
Progress is evaluated at the midpoint and completion of each program.
Attendance / Participation:
Online instruction with in-person skill labs (as applicable).
Complete all required coursework and assignments
Maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP)
Fulfill attendance requirements
Academic Integrity:
Plagiarism- presenting someone else's work(text, diagrams, projects) as your own without credit,e.g. Copying from sources or AI for Assignments like reports or simulations without notification.
Cheating- Dishonest actions for unfair advantage, e.g. unauthorized aids in exams, sharing answers, or faking task completion.
Expectation- Submit original work: site sources complete assessments independently: disclose tool use Report violations:complete integrity training. Align with trade ethics; HONESTY,COMPETENCE, SAFETY
CONSEQUENCES - Minor- Warning redo assignment
Moderate- Fail module, probation
Severe- Fail course, suspension/expulsion, certificate revocation
6. Tuition, Fees, and Other Charges
Tuition and Fees Schedule:
Tuition & Fees Table
Program Hours Tuition Registration Fee Supplies Total
HVAC Technician 120 $9500 $250 $900 $10,650
Appliance Repair 120 $9500 $250 $900 $10,650
Electrical Technician 120 $9500 $250 $950 $10,650
Plumbing Technician 120 $9500 $250 $950 $10,650
SUPPLIES CONSIST OF AR GLASSES AND LAPTOP FOR QUALIFIED STUDENTS
7. Cancellation and Refund Policy (SC Regulation 62-18)
72-Hour Cancellation:
A student is entitled to a full refund of monies paid if the student cancels the enrollment agreement within seventy-two hours (until midnight of the third day, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) after the enrollment agreement is signed.
Other Full Refund Circumstances:
If the applicant is not accepted by the institution.
For home study or combination home study/resident programs, specific rules apply if lessons are distributed prior to acceptance or prior to expiration of the 72-hour cancellation period (see SC Regulation 62-18).
Pro Rata Refunds:
After the 72-hour cancellation period, the school will calculate refunds on a pro rata basis for students who withdraw before the sixty percent point (in time) of the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged. The pro rata refund equals the portion of tuition and other charges corresponding to the portion of the enrollment period remaining on the student’s last date of attendance, rounded downward to the nearest ten percent of that period, less any unpaid charges owed for the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged.
After the 60% point:
No refund is required under the pro rata standard after the sixty percent point (in time) in the period of enrollment for which the student has been charged, unless otherwise required by law or the enrollment agreement.
Refund Processing Time:
[Insert the school’s refund processing timeframe and method (e.g., within X days of determination).]
8. Student Records and Privacy (SC Regulation 62-20)
Record Security:
The school will store official student academic records in a secure vault or fireproof cabinet, or maintain duplicates off-site. Electronic records will be secured with appropriate access controls and backup procedures.
Retention:
Student records will be maintained for at least six years from graduation or termination. Student transcripts/records of achievement will be maintained as a permanent record for a minimum of 50 years (unless a shorter period is appropriate for programs where documentation is unlikely to be needed, as permitted by SC CHE).
Transcript Requests:
Transcripts will be provided upon request to students who have satisfied all current financial obligations due and payable to the school.
9. Student Conduct and Disciplinary Policy
Align with Trade Ethics: Honesty ,Competence, Safety
10. Employment and Career Services Disclosures
Job Placement Assistance:
Career placement support/ workplace partners
Resume/interview assistance
Tutoring or academic advising
Student success coaching
No Guarantee of Employment:
Enrollment and/or completion of a program does not guarantee employment.