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…
Virginia’s dental workforce employs over 52,000 people throughout the state with many employees receiving education through a local community college. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic caused departures from the workforce and exacerbated pre-existing challenges leading to employee shortages. These shortages resulted in dental offices struggling…
A career in healthcare offers stability, growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. Yet, the industry faces significant workforce shortages across the commonwealth. To address this gap, community colleges are playing a vital role in providing the necessary tools for…
The Danville region is in the middle of an economic transformation. Businesses like Caesars Casino and a new Tysons Food facility are being developed that will lead to hundreds of jobs for the community. Danville Community College (DCC) is ensuring its educational offerings prepare students for…
Virginia continues to face a critical healthcare workforce shortage, with providers across the commonwealth struggling to fill essential roles. This shortage has been amplified by the rippling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as key changes in the workforce demographic. For Cynthia Lawrence, director of…
Virginia needs about 40,000 hires over the next decade to build the solar capacity required to comply with the Virginia Clean Economy Act and support private industries wanting to use renewable energy resources. “It’s really an all-hands-on-deck situation that needs people of all education levels” said…
How often do you think about your city’s infrastructure? Probably not a ton, but it plays a critical role in your daily life. Infrastructure deserves more of your attention, as reliable, efficient structures are the backbone of a well-functioning society. Well-fitted pipes, functioning electricity in residential…
Are you READY? Created during the height of the pandemic, the Virginia Ready Initiative (VA Ready) works with many Virginia businesses and all of Virginia’s 23 community colleges to train students for careers in a variety of industries, many of which fall under the FastForward umbrella….
The General Assembly has been in session since early January, and we’re at the point where bills from one chamber cross over to the other. By this time, some bills have died on the vine, while others have moved over for further discussion and votes. If…
If you’re looking for a training program with a job placement rate over 90% in a growing industry nestled in the heart of Hampton Roads, you’ve come to the right place. The Virginia Ship Repair Association’s Marine Trade Training (MTT) program trains thousands of Virginians for…