Virginia’s dental workforce employs over 52,000 people throughout the state with many employees receiving education through a local community college. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic caused departures from the workforce and exacerbated pre-existing challenges leading to employee shortages. These shortages resulted in dental offices struggling…
Whether you’ve completed a FastForward certificate program or earned an associate’s degree in a healthcare field, understanding how to navigate the job market is crucial to starting your dream medical career. The good news? The demand for trained healthcare talent continues to grow, and there are…
Across all ages and abilities, the freedom to work and learn can be life-changing. The Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) works diligently to make these experiences a reality for everyone, regardless of their age or background. David Leon, director of workforce programs at…
Learning doesn’t have to be confined to the walls of a classroom. In fact, on-site learning experiences like internships and apprenticeships can give students valuable, industry-specific skills that can go beyond what is learned at a desk. Barry Richmond, apprenticeship coordinator at Danville Community College (DCC),…
The Danville region is in the middle of an economic transformation. Businesses like Caesars Casino and a new Tysons Food facility are being developed that will lead to hundreds of jobs for the community. Danville Community College (DCC) is ensuring its educational offerings prepare students for…
Virginia continues to face a critical healthcare workforce shortage, with providers across the commonwealth struggling to fill essential roles. This shortage has been amplified by the rippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as key changes in the workforce demographic. For Cynthia Lawrence, director of…
As an HR business partner at Centra and an adjunct professor at Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), Susan Burnette is dedicated to guiding students in their healthcare education journey. With her extensive experience in the field, she understands the importance of accessible education and the impact…
At Virginia’s Community Colleges, providing a platform for businesses and students to connect and thrive is a focal point in bridging the gap between education and industry. Through strategic partnerships with companies across the state, community colleges like Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) are cultivating a…
For Delaney Nowotarski and Victoria Dempsey, a career in dentistry wasn’t something either had planned on pursuing. But through the dental program at Germanna Community College, both have found a promising career path, supportive classmates and faculty, and for Nowotarski, an opportunity to return as an…
As graduation approaches, high school students across the commonwealth are preparing for the next chapter of their lives. This milestone marks not only the culmination of their studies but also provides a sense of accomplishment. Along with these feelings may come a sense of uncertainty. The…