Training Takes Weeks. Not Years.
There are thousands of jobs open across Virginia, and many of these essential fields don’t require a college degree. If you’re looking for an affordable career training program, consider enrolling in FastForward.
FastForward at Virginia’s Community Colleges is a short-term training program for high-demand industries, like healthcare, information technology and skilled trades and infrastructure, helping Virginians get the jobs they want and the salaries they need. Our goal is to get you trained, help you earn your certification and get you into a career that can support you and your family.
FastForward Blog
Strong workforce pathways don’t begin after graduation; they begin in high school. In Roanoke County, partnerships between K-12 education, local industry leaders and Virginia’s Community Colleges are helping students gain a head start on high-demand careers. As career and technical education director for Roanoke County Public…
2025 was a year of growth, success and community for FastForward. As the program reaches its 10th year, it’s worth reflecting on the impact FastForward has on its students and the commonwealth. Since 2016, the pay-for-performance, accelerated career training program has helped Virginia-based students earn more…
As the manager of workforce development and planning at Dominion Energy, Matt Kellam understands the value of strong partnerships with Virginia’s Community Colleges and their ability to translate workforce needs into an effective curriculum. As a fourth-generation Dominion Energy employee, Kellam has seen firsthand how higher…
Over 52,900 certificates and credentials have been awarded across Virginia’s Community Colleges through FastForward since 2016.
Our short-term career training programs prepare you for 40 great careers across seven industries in Virginia.
71% of FastForward graduates, on average, are satisfied with their pay post-credential.
Of FastForward students surveyed, on average, 86% are satisfied with their job stability post-credential.
FastForward Student Success Story
Career and technical training like FastForward can help get you the skills needed for a great job in the construction industry. From heavy equipment operator, to electrical, HVAC and more, this training at your local community college can prepare you for open, high-demand jobs where you live.
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