Did you know, according to Best Colleges, nontraditional students make up the majority of postsecondary education in the U.S.? The notion that “It’s never too late to go back to school” is being brought to life as an increasing number of older students are taking the…
Avid FastForward followers might recognize the famous phrase, “talk with a career coach to get started today.” And while that is an important first step in earning a workforce credential, it’s also helpful to know what the full journey of earning a credential entails. To help…
Uploading a resume can be a shot in the dark. Oftentimes, it feels like you’re submitting your list of highly cherished skills into a big unknown. But it doesn’t have to be an act that is without intention. Depending on the employer, if you’re applying for…
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….
Setting goals is important for achieving new milestones, whether it’s something personal like running a 10k or something professional, like changing careers. Not only do goals encourage motivation, but they also help identify what is important in your life and create an overall sense of direction…
Public speaking is an important skill to have, regardless of your industry. You never know when you might find yourself in front of a group, but when it happens, it’s important to have confidence and poise. While some people are naturals when it comes to the…
Sometimes the juggling act is overwhelming. You are trying to go back to school to take the next step in your career. But it’s not easy. You may be working a job… or two. You may have people to take care of at home. The days…
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…
When Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) received part of a $5 million grant to help train pharmaceutical workers in the region for a company struggling to access talent, other local employers began to take note. BRCC was attracting a pool of talented students, and Merck, the…