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…
As we celebrate the hard work and dedication of pharmacists across the country, today also serves as a reminder to express gratitude for the many other pharmacy-related workers who help patients access prescriptions and medications around the clock. A pharmacy technician is a key supportive role…
You can’t turn on the news nowadays without hearing about “workforce development” or some other employee shortage. Now that we’re in a new year and the Virginia General Assembly session is about to kick into gear, the conversation in Virginia is only going to get hotter….
With record-low unemployment, Virginia has an enormous need for workers to fill an estimated 300,000 open jobs, according to Governor Glenn Youngkin, who has asked business and education leaders for transformational ideas that will help fill these jobs quickly. It’s a daunting task. Not only is…
FastForward programs across Virginia’s 23 community colleges offer funding to help students complete short-term workforce training in high-demand industries. The qualifying industries range widely but all have one thing in common: the programs are based on the needs of local employers, which means students are in…
There’s a chance you are stumbling upon this blog post, and it’s your very first time hearing the words “FastForward workforce training.” But we’re actually several years into a program that was established in 2016. Back then, the General Assembly wanted a program to create and…