Earlier this month, the Virginia Foundation for Community College Education received a $250,000 grant from Transurban North America to support the Virginia Infrastructure Academy at Germanna Community College.
Transurban is the operator of 95, 395, and 495 Express Lanes – all of which intertwine in Northern Virginia. So why are road operators and community colleges connected? Germanna Community College runs several skilled trades programs out of its FredCAT (Fredericksburg Center for Advanced Technology) training center in Fredericksburg, including its asphalt program.
The Virginia Infrastructure Academy is part of FastForward, which offers short-term industry training and credentials leading to employment for thousands of Virginians—building long-term career development and overall economic growth. The goal of Transurban’s grant is to help train individuals, including our military veterans, for careers in infrastructure.
“We at Transurban are thrilled to be part of delivering the modern infrastructure needed to keep Virginia going—helping maintain our status as a top state for business. But we can’t do it alone,” said Amanda Baxter, senior vice president of Virginia Market and Operations, Transurban North America. “Virginia Infrastructure Academy trains the workers we need to design, build, and operate the essential infrastructure that keeps our communities running—connecting military veterans with the jobs of the future.”
With the goal of filling 35,000 infrastructure jobs in the next five years, the partnership between Transurban, VFCCE, and industry leaders funds efforts to connect military veterans with employment coaches, networking events, and employer recruiters. Upon graduation from one of Virginia’s 23 community colleges, VIA alumni earn an average pay increase of 55% when they enter the workforce.
Transurban’s contribution to VIA rounds out to over $500,000 in community grants throughout Fredericksburg and Stafford County, supporting more than 80 nonprofit organizations committed to community strength, environmental sustainability, and improved safety.
You can read more about the news in Potomac Local.
Start your new career journey by reaching out to a career coach at your local community college today by visiting https://fastforwardva.org/contact-us/.