Job training and career certificates aren’t the only benefits students gain from FastForward programs. During workforce training, students inherently gain “soft” skills that can be used in both the workplace and day-to-day life. Some of the most common soft skills students develop during FastForward training include…
There are multiple ways you can stack workforce trainings to help you forge a pathway to a better career. For some industries, training can build one upon another – from basic to advanced. But for other fields, having a varied mix of certifiable skills can make…
Right now, according to the Virginia Employment Commission, 9.4% of Virginians are out of work. And while some industries have seen its numbers start to recover, from May 2019 to May 2020, over 36% of the leisure and hospitality workforce was out of work. If you’re…
FastForward programs are designed to train Virginians for in-demand jobs across the Commonwealth. From careers in healthcare to IT to transportation, the programs offered at each of Virginia’s Community Colleges vary according to the industries driving each community. Many businesses and organizations work in partnership with…
It’s hard to complete hands-on workforce training when you can’t get your hands on what you need to train. How do you practice your blood drawing skills without a dummy to practice on? How do you review your pre-trip inspection in preparation for your CDL exam?…
If you’re going through a challenging life event like being laid off, are uncertain about a career path or are looking to gain a new skill, here are a few ways FastForward’s Career Coaches can help you. Know your financial assistance resources “If a new student…
When Brooke Shehan was taking dual enrollment classes at Rockbridge County High School through Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, she wasn’t anticipating a future career helping people at the same school that helped her earn her college credits. But here she is today, the FastForward Career…
A new year means new goals for 2020. While exciting, goal setting often brings feelings of anxiety. We asked our experts. FastForward Career Coaches across Virginia share their top tips to set – and achieve – career and training goals. Start small. Going back to school…
When Matt Newman stands in front of a room of high schoolers to talk about life after high school, he likes to share the story behind his Mountain Empire Community College ID cards. That’s right. Cards, plural. The path to where he is today, a FastForward…
Moving into a new year is like hitting the reset button. It’s a nice time to pause and reflect on the previous year and see what worked and what didn’t. And for some of us, what didn’t work may be our careers. While our primary goal…