When companies prepare to launch or expand their operations, their top concern is finding skilled, qualified talent. For the fourth consecutive year, Virginia has proven itself to be the best state in the nation for delivering that talent.
In its 22nd annual Business Facilities Rankings Report, Business Facilities — a top national publication for economic development professionals — named Virginia No. 1 in the United States for customized workforce training, highlighting the success of the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program.
Developed by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership in collaboration with the Virginia Community College System, the program accelerates new facility startups by delivering recruitment and training tailored specifically to a growing company’s equipment, processes, and culture.
Here, we’ll break down what this recognition means for Virginia job seekers, and how FastForward works to connect local talent with top-tier employers.
Employer Growth Creates High-Demand Jobs
The Virginia Talent Accelerator Program has supported over 22,000 jobs across the commonwealth since it first launched in 2019. When major employers choose to build or expand in our state, they need a workforce that is ready to immediately step into a variety of high-paying, technical roles.
By providing direct, employer-aligned training at no cost to expanding businesses, Virginia achieves two major goals: creating an environment where companies can thrive and providing job seekers with bountiful opportunities to secure long-term career growth.
The FastForward Connection
Virginia’s top-ranked workforce pipeline is powered by the strength of its higher education institutions and community college network.
As the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program focuses on tailored training for new and expanding corporate facilities, programs like FastForward create the workforce foundation at community colleges across the state. FastForward offers short-term credential training in high-demand fields from healthcare to across the tech industry, giving Virginians the exact experience and certifications local, growing employers are looking for in as little as six to 12 weeks.
Find Your Future in the Top State for Business
With Virginia recognized among the country’s top states for overall business climate, there has never been a better time to build a career in the commonwealth. Whether you are looking to enter a new industry or upgrade your existing skills, Virginia is full of pathways dedicated to helping you succeed.
Explore programs and find out how FastForward can help you step into high-demand industries across the commonwealth here.