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 Challenge: Affordability in Higher Education Many students interested in pursuing academic or workforce training programs face a significant obstacle: affordability. Tuition rates for higher education continue to see significant increases leaving those seeking a career change or skill upgrade wondering if it’s within reach. A…
Whether you’ve completed a FastForward certificate program or earned an associate’s degree in a healthcare field, understanding how to navigate the job market is crucial to starting your dream medical career. The good news? The demand for trained healthcare talent continues to grow, and there are…
Ethical hacking, certified nurse aide, arc metal welder. These careers all have technical skills that are attainable through FastForward training. Employers will look at a person’s ability to measure blood pressure or weld cylindrical, tack-welded pieces – but they’re also looking for certain “soft skills” that…
You’ve done the work and completed your FastForward training. You’ve even attained a few certifications, but now what? It’s time to kick-off your job search! But before you start applying to job listings that fit your career path, you’ll probably need to update your resume, with…
Across all ages and abilities, the freedom to work and learn can be life-changing. The Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) works diligently to make these experiences a reality for everyone, regardless of their age or background. David Leon, director of workforce programs at…
Learning doesn’t have to be confined to the walls of a classroom. In fact, on-site learning experiences like internships and apprenticeships can give students valuable, industry-specific skills that can go beyond what is learned at a desk. Barry Richmond, apprenticeship coordinator at Danville Community College (DCC),…
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…