The construction industry plays an important role in shaping Virginia’s infrastructure and economy. In 2024, construction contributed $38 billion to the commonwealth’s GDP and currently employs more than 227,000 workers across the state. With a growing demand for residential, commercial and industrial projects, companies across…
According to the Virginia Employment Commission, by 2026, there are expected to be 2.6M middle-skilled jobs in Virginia – jobs that require some training, but not a four-year degree. There is a skills gap in Virginia’s workforce, and FastForward is continuing to bridge the gap by…
In today’s rapidly changing job market, skilled trades stand out as a rewarding career choice. From electricians and plumbers to welders and mechanics, these hands-on professions offer a unique combination of job security and high earning potential. Through programs offered at Virginia’s Community Colleges, students also…
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…
Tiffany always envisioned working in healthcare and felt on track to make her dreams a reality when she started nursing school at Eastern Mennonite University. Then, she had to take a break from school: in her own words, life got in the way. As a single…
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published online on Laurel Ridge Community College’s website. You can see the original article here. When she graduated from high school in 2021, Jazmine Sebestyen knew she wanted to work in the medical field in some capacity. After her family…
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published online on Laurel Ridge Community College’s website. You can see the original article here. Aaron Winfree has turned to Laurel Ridge Community College several times when he’s needed to upskill. He’s earned an associate degree and multiple credentials from…
For a lot of new moms, dealing with the late nights and the demands of a newborn can be taxing enough, but for Princess, in her postpartum period, she decided she wanted to start her college journey by pursuing the certified nursing aide program at Mountain…
Preparing to go to college can make anyone nervous, even the best of us. But for Kashna, going to college meant assimilating into a culture that was still fairly new to her, while also learning and studying in her non-native native language. Kashna immigrated to the…
Going back to school to earn a credential while being a mother to three young children is no easy feat. But for Heather Owens, she was determined to find a new career path after briefly working as a nurse during the onset of COVID-19. The grueling…