Welding is an essential industry in Virginia. From the shipyards in Hampton Roads to manufacturing facilities in Southwest Virginia, there are over 11,000 welders across the Commonwealth, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the demand for skilled workers in this field continues to…
Did you know over 35 percent of all global data centers are located in Virginia? Data constantly flows through more than 180 facilities statewide, supporting everything from social media platforms to e-commerce giants. With the increasing demand for skilled workers in fields like electrical maintenance, fiber…
Losing a job can be a challenging and uncertain time, especially for federal employees who have dedicated years to public service. But it can also be an opportunity – an open door to a new and fulfilling career. If you’re looking for a fresh start, Virginia’s…
Clock in, clock out. Repeat. Day in and day out. If you don’t love what you do, that cycle can wear on you. Whether you’re looking to find a job, start over in a new career or move up the ladder in your current field, stacking…
Virginia’s Community Colleges have been working overtime to help fill the demand for thousands of essential roles across the state. By providing flexible short-term job training through FastForward, we’ve been able to transform the workforce and change the lives of Virginians one credential at a time. Whether…
Life can get in the way of going back to school, but that shouldn’t keep you from investing time in something that can change your life for the better. We talked to our FastForward Career Coaches about hurdles their students have overcome when deciding to enroll…
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…
No interview is perfect because there will always be areas for improvement. Even so, our FastForward Career Coaches say they’ve spotted a number of common interview mistakes on a regular basis that are easily fixed. Here are the three interview slip-ups we see most often, along…
As technology evolves, the need for skilled professionals who understand the complexities of electrical systems continues to grow throughout Virginia. Whether you’re interested in developing key automotive safety features or repairing malfunctioning electrical systems, FastForward’s training programs offer students the opportunity to gain the hands-on training…
A criminal background doesn’t have to define your future. Today, there are many programs championing second chances, offering workforce training opportunities designed to help individuals with past convictions build meaningful, well-paying careers. We talked to our FastForward Career Coaches, who work with justice-impacted individuals every day,…