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…
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning, known as HVAC, plays a vital role in creating safe and comfortable spaces where people live and work. Skilled technicians keep these systems running efficiently, improving energy use and supporting homes and businesses across Virginia. As demand for HVAC professionals continues to rise, FastForward is helping students gain the…
Not every student thrives in a traditional classroom setting. For students struggling in a traditional learning environment, hands-on learning can be a productive alternative, one that is often a more suitable way for students to learn. Virginia’s Community Colleges’ recognizes these learning differences, and so its FastForward program offers a range of hands-on learning experiences that engage students in…