For K’Niyah White, painting for Day & Zimmermann hits a sweet spot, offering room for creativity alongside a steady and focused work pace. Her journey to a career in the skilled trades began with a summer program at Paul D. Camp Community College, which she was…
Keeping residential and commercial buildings running smoothly requires a diverse set of technical skills. Apartment maintenance technicians are the problem-solvers who ensure these community spaces remain safe, functional and comfortable for everyone who calls them home. As the property management industry grows, the demand for versatile…
2025 was a year of growth, success and community for FastForward. As the program reaches its 10th year, it’s worth reflecting on the impact FastForward has on its students and the commonwealth. Since 2016, the pay-for-performance, accelerated career training program has helped Virginia-based students earn more…
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, known as HVAC, plays a vital role in creating safe and comfortable spaces where people live and work. Skilled technicians keep these systems running efficiently, improving energy use and supporting homes and businesses across Virginia. As demand for HVAC professionals continues to rise, FastForward is helping students gain the…
FastForward, offered through Virginia’s Community Colleges, is a funding program designed to make career training more affordable and accessible for Virginians. By reducing the financial barriers to in-demand credentials, FastForward helps students gain the skills needed to launch or advance their careers. In addition to this…
In the skilled trade of power lines, workers build, maintain, and repair the electrical lines that keep homes, businesses, and communities connected to power. A typical workday can include climbing poles to install wires, or work on transformers. This skill is important as it ensures electricity…
For decades, a four-year college degree has been seen as the traditional path to a successful career. But as the job market evolves, more people are rethinking that route, and with good reason. Industry certifications are emerging as a faster, more affordable and highly targeted way…
Fiber optics serves as the backbone of modern technology, supporting and transmitting large amounts of data like never before. From high-speed internet to medical imaging, the use of fiber optics is becoming more and more widespread. According to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia is rapidly…
Searching for a new job can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure where to start. Whether you’re just entering the workforce or looking to make a career change, having a clear game plan can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll break down three essential…
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…