As the Continuous Improvement Manager at Rhenus Automotive, Francisco Quintero sought out programs that would allow him to continue his education while balancing a full-time job. Through his experience with Virginia Western Community College, Francisco found a pathway to develop new skills, grow professionally and create…
Strategic workforce pathways begin with intentional training and early exposure. At Day & Zimmerman, partnerships with FastForward and Virginia’s Community Colleges are ensuring young professionals with a passion for the nuclear industry have a direct route to success. As fleet director for Day & Zimmerman, Eugene…
Erik McCormick, CDL director of operations for Ancora Training, partners with Virginia’s Community Colleges to deliver an accelerated, four-week commercial driver’s license (CDL) program designed to prepare students for immediate success in the workforce. Ancora Training, part of Ancora Education, offers hands-on experience in high-demand fields,…
Strong workforce pathways don’t begin after graduation; they begin in high school. In Roanoke County, partnerships between K-12 education, local industry leaders and Virginia’s Community Colleges are helping students gain a head start on high-demand careers. As career and technical education director for Roanoke County Public…
As the manager of workforce development and planning at Dominion Energy, Matt Kellam understands the value of strong partnerships with Virginia’s Community Colleges and their ability to translate workforce needs into an effective curriculum. As a fourth-generation Dominion Energy employee, Kellam has seen firsthand how higher…
As the owner of Brown’s Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical, Brandon Brown values programs like FastForward for the role it plays in providing in-depth training and hands-on learning for the HVAC industry. And as a recipient of an HVAC credential program himself, Brown has firsthand experience with the impact…
As Executive Director of Heavy Construction Contractors Association (HCCA), Deborah Harvey greatly values the skilled trade trainings offered through FastForward and Virginia’s Community Colleges. The HCCA is a non-profit organization of contractors and related businesses working collaboratively to make a positive impact on the construction industry…
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…
Matt McGraw, chief workforce officer at Mountain Gateway Community College, emphasized that there’s nothing else in the world like American community colleges. In Virginia, community colleges work diligently to stay connected to local industries and employers. FastForward’s short-term credential training program fosters this local connection by…