Lately, there have been so many news stories about businesses hiring or businesses moving to Virginia. We decided to pull together some of the latest headlines and news updates. Happy #WorkforceWednesday everyone. Auto shops in the Richmond region are struggling to hire skilled workers to fill auto mechanic roles. The Richmond Times-Dispatch spoke to a…
At times 2021 felt like a stop-gap year, a layover on the way to the real destination. We already know that COVID-19 has radically reshaped education, work and leisure. As 2022 begins, it’s clear that we have a long road to walk before reaching a new…
FastForward programs at each of Virginia’s 23 community colleges work hand-in-hand with local businesses to ensure training programs are designed to meet regional hiring needs. In turn, local Virginians have affordable, flexible opportunities to train for in-demand jobs. While our career coaches and faculty work hard…
It feels surreal to be publishing a 2022 New Year’s blog post when 2019 felt like it was yesterday. If the past year has felt like a blur to you, 2022 is the perfect time to pause, take a breath and reset yourself for a new…
As 2021 comes to an end, and the FastForward team reflects on the last 12 months, there is one word that comes to mind to recap the year: resilience. Year two during a pandemic called for continued change and we’re proud of our instructors, career coaches…
Yet again, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not exactly what you are thinking. We’re entering production, manufacturing, fulfillment, warehouse and customer service season. Here are some of the frontline careers that are instrumental in keeping our economy afloat and examples of how…
Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and we hope you get to feast on your favorite dishes while spending time with loved ones. Before the FastForward team prepares to do the same, we wanted to take a moment to give a shout out to those who…
FastForward programs are designed to be flexible so that students can work and take courses at the same time while balancing family and personal life. A 2020 survey found that FastForward graduates not only saw an average increase of $8,000 in wages, but also reported having a better overall work-life balance. We recently conducted our…
Virginia’s Community Colleges have helped to train thousands of students who have gone on to get certified for a wide-range of skilled trades careers across the Commonwealth. From certified nursing aids and clinical medical assistants to heavy equipment operators and truck drivers, we’re training Virginians for the open…
Looking to go back to school for a short-term training program or your associate degree? The idea of paying for it can be daunting, especially if you are juggling a family, debt or any lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But bettering yourself through education can…