Brad, a student in the FastForward power line training program, became interested in power line work after speaking with friends who participated in the program and had positive reviews, as well as others who work at co-operatives and Dominion Energy. Helping his community and keeping the…
Brandon is a 31-year-old veteran who is no stranger to the workforce. After bouncing around higher education institutions, he ended up leaving all together to join the workforce. He worked as a correctional officer for two years, but he realized he wanted to do something outside…
Having knowledge and experience is one thing, but it doesn’t do much good without the opportunity to use it. For Jason, a heavy equipment operator at S.W. Rodgers, opportunity was the deciding factor when it came to enrolling in the FastForward program at Lord Fairfax Community…
From behind her desk at a clinical family practice, Ashley would greet and check-in patients with a smile, but there was something inside her that wanted more. Ashley was good at what she did, but she had a drive and an interest in healthcare that caught…
Some people were born to help others. Whether it’s through military enlistment, volunteerism or working in the service industry, some of us were made to lend a hand. For David, he’s made a career out of serving, first his country in the U.S. Navy, and soon,…
There are many different hardships that prevent a person from working. In 2009, Heather lost her job due to health issues. As her health improved, but her 401K and savings declined, she needed to find a way to re-enter the workforce. To boost her career chances…
Jacob wasn’t going to let his age hold him back from pursuing his goals. Just before graduating high school, Jacob’s guidance counselor told him about the FastForward program at Blue Ridge Community College. With his interest piqued, he enrolled and completed a welding course, which led…
Mercedes has always had an interest in medicine and in helping people. She received her first medical training when she was still in high school, and her interest in the field only grew after she faced a medical condition herself. She recalls that her interactions with…
Virginia is known around the world for its world-class military operations – from the Naval Shipyard in Hampton Roads, to Coast Guard, Army and Air Force troops stationed at Fort Belvoir, Fort Lee, Quantico and more. Serving the military community is something FastForward prides itself in…
For Megan, the decision to pursue a career in the power line industry came from wanting to have a stable career and a secure future for herself and her 12-year-old daughter. “The best part that appealed to me was just the financial stability and the fact…