Strategic workforce pathways begin with intentional training and early exposure. At Day & Zimmerman, partnerships with FastForward and Virginia’s Community Colleges are ensuring young professionals with a passion for the nuclear industry have a direct route to success. As fleet director for Day & Zimmerman, Eugene…
Keeping residential and commercial buildings running smoothly requires a diverse set of technical skills. Apartment maintenance technicians are the problem-solvers who ensure these community spaces remain safe, functional and comfortable for everyone who calls them home. As the property management industry grows, the demand for versatile…
Erik McCormick, CDL director of operations for Ancora Training, partners with Virginia’s Community Colleges to deliver an accelerated, four-week commercial driver’s license (CDL) program designed to prepare students for immediate success in the workforce. Ancora Training, part of Ancora Education, offers hands-on experience in high-demand fields,…
Whether you’re making a career switch or just starting out, the job search after earning your credentials can feel overwhelming. Virginia’s Community Colleges offer support every step of the way, with career coaches ready to guide students through the transition into the workforce. As part of…
Strong workforce pathways don’t begin after graduation; they begin in high school. In Roanoke County, partnerships between K-12 education, local industry leaders and Virginia’s Community Colleges are helping students gain a head start on high-demand careers. As career and technical education director for Roanoke County Public…
2025 was a year of growth, success and community for FastForward. As the program reaches its 10th year, it’s worth reflecting on the impact FastForward has on its students and the commonwealth. Since 2016, the pay-for-performance, accelerated career training program has helped Virginia-based students earn more…
As the manager of workforce development and planning at Dominion Energy, Matt Kellam understands the value of strong partnerships with Virginia’s Community Colleges and their ability to translate workforce needs into an effective curriculum. As a fourth-generation Dominion Energy employee, Kellam has seen firsthand how higher…
As the owner of Brown’s Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical, Brandon Brown values programs like FastForward for the role it plays in providing in-depth training and hands-on learning for the HVAC industry. And as a recipient of an HVAC credential program himself, Brown has firsthand experience with the impact…
As Executive Director of Heavy Construction Contractors Association (HCCA), Deborah Harvey greatly values the skilled trade trainings offered through FastForward and Virginia’s Community Colleges. The HCCA is a non-profit organization of contractors and related businesses working collaboratively to make a positive impact on the construction industry…
Cybersecurity is a large and important industry in the Commonwealth. It’s an expanding field that not only helps individuals stay safe online by protecting personal information, but it also serves the larger community and state by mitigating cyber risk. Through Virginia’s Community Colleges’ FastForward program, eligible Virginia residents from across the Commonwealth can take advantage of an Information Technology curricula designed…