At times 2021 felt like a stop-gap year, a layover on the way to the real destination. We already know that COVID-19 has radically reshaped education, work and leisure. As 2022 begins, it’s clear that we have a long road to walk before reaching a new…
Yet again, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not exactly what you are thinking. We’re entering production, manufacturing, fulfillment, warehouse and customer service season. Here are some of the frontline careers that are instrumental in keeping our economy afloat and examples of how…
What if we told you that the infrastructure industry in Virginia anticipates having 30,000-50,000 open jobs in the coming years? Thanks to the Virginia Clean Economy Act and evolving technologies, there is a big need to update Virginia’s solar, wind and power infrastructure – not to…
For the second year running, CNBC’s annual survey found Virginia to be the top state for business. Accolades like this showcase Virginia’s solid workforce and strong educational system and speak to why our region makes sense for manufacturing facilities, transportation and logistics companies, information technology shops…
What Virginians believe to be the most important thing they look for in a job could be summarized in one word: wages. Over a three-day period, FastForward pushed out three polls into the Twitter-sphere, targeting Virginians 25 and older who have indicated a previous interest in topics surrounding jobs, work and careers. Here’s what we uncovered. What employees look for in a job According to…
FastForward is a unique program that exists across all 23 of Virginia’s Community Colleges. In different geographical areas, different industries are more prominent. For example, the shipbuilding industry is big in the Hampton Roads area, but without a coastline, it is not as relevant of an…
When the local business community is thriving, chances are the trickle-down effect will be felt at every level of an organization and into the community itself. But when businesses are struggling to find skilled workers to hire, something must be done to bridge the gap. Community…
There are a few industries in Virginia that not even a pandemic could impact. In fact, the pandemic may have even increased the need for skilled, trained workers. While four-year institutions address a spectrum of career fields, community colleges tends to have a more concentrated focus:…
Many of our FastForward programs work closely with local companies, organizations and nonprofits throughout Virginia to ensure students who complete their credentials can quickly enter the workforce. However, Highground Services in Franklin, Va. does the hiring first through its apprenticeship program, which provides a combination of…
On July 1, 2021, Virginia’s Community Colleges are launching G3, a training and education program for students with a family income of less than $100,000. The focus of the G3 program is to educate Virginians for high-demand fields, like skilled trades, public safety and healthcare, preparing…