There are a few industries in Virginia that not even a pandemic could impact. In fact, the pandemic may have even increased the need for skilled, trained workers. While four-year institutions address a spectrum of career fields, community colleges tends to have a more concentrated focus:…
Many of our FastForward programs work closely with local companies, organizations and nonprofits throughout Virginia to ensure students who complete their credentials can quickly enter the workforce. However, Highground Services in Franklin, Va. does the hiring first through its apprenticeship program, which provides a combination of…
After a long year of pivots, virtual learning and extra precautions, things are slowly and cautiously starting to return to normal, or at least a new normal. The same goes for FastForward’s workforce training at community colleges across Virginia. We chatted with some of our career…
Voncilita, or “Vonnie,” grew up on the [Eastern] Shore. Originally from Painter, she developed an early interest in big trucks that were a fixture in her neighborhood. The sight of a tractor trailer could be intimidating to a young child, with the sheer size and the…
Virginia’s unemployment rate may be getting better, but for individuals in hourly jobs looking for full time work or people looking for a better career, applying for jobs and interviewing are an everyday occurrence. If you find yourself going through the motions but not landing that new job, make sure you’re not doing one of these job-hunting mistakes. …
On July 1, 2021, Virginia’s Community Colleges are launching G3, a training and education program for students with a family income of less than $100,000. The focus of the G3 program is to educate Virginians for high-demand fields, like skilled trades, public safety and healthcare, preparing…
Applying for a job can be challenging – especially during a pandemic, but our career coaches are here to help you land a job after completing a FastForward credential. As part of the training your local community college provides through FastForward, our career coaches offer students…
Life on the Eastern Shore might mean immense wealth, but for many, it is the daily grind of just getting by. Isaiah knows that grind well, and after tragedy and hardship – and then throw a pandemic on top of it – he knew he had…
A workforce credential or certification can go a long way in setting yourself up for a new career or climbing the ladder in your current one. But stacking related trainings can help even more. For some industries, trainings build on each other – from basic to…
As the weather in Virginia warms up and spring cleaning ensues, don’t forget to dust of your resume. Whether you’re on the hunt for employment, a part-time gig or are scheduled to complete your FastForward training and enter a new career, it’s important to keep your…