This September, as Virginia celebrates National Workforce Development Month, Virginia’s Community Colleges and FastForward are proud to recognize the innovative partnerships that prepare students for high-demand careers across the Commonwealth.
One key partner is Ancora Training, a company that works directly with educational institutions to provide students with the precise skills needed to thrive in today’s job market. Offering programs in health care, technology, transportation, professional development and skilled trades, Ancora helps guide students toward a variety of rewarding industries.
Partnering With Virginia’s Community Colleges
As regional program director at Ancora Training, James Ratliff oversees operations and logistics for the organization’s community college partnerships. VCCS has partnered with Ancora for nearly six years to deliver career-ready training.
Ratliff devotes much of his focus to Ancora’s commercial driving program. The course supports students from day one — guiding them as they earn their permits, navigate federal entry-level driver training regulations and practice safe driving.
Delivering Proven Career Outcomes
Students in the commercial driving program transition from permit to license, supported by continuous guidance from experienced instructors throughout their education. After completing the program, graduates enter the workforce ready for positions that earn $55,000 or more annually.
Program Benefits, Funding and Future Success
Ratliff emphasizes that Ancora gives VCCS students practical experience across several fields, each led by an expert team of instructors dedicated to teaching essential industry skills.
Thanks to state-funded support like FastForward, eligible VCCS students can complete Ancora training at little to no out-of-pocket cost. This allows students to jump straight into the job market without the burden of student loans.
Ancora knows what it takes for professionals to succeed in skilled trades, and remains committed to sharing that expertise with students pursuing careers across a variety of fields.
As Workforce Development Month underscores the value of accessible, high-value career training, programs like those available through FastForward show how quickly Virginians can gain industry credentials, secure higher wages and build long-term career stability through affordable education.