Luke has always been something of a ranch hand. Growing up in Southside Virginia, he’s worked the fields and farms that crisscross this rural landscape and become a bit of an agricultural expert in the process. There hasn’t been much else to do. Job opportunities have…
People make mistakes. Opioid abuse, drug addiction and past criminal decisions derail millions of American lives. It’s not easy, but lives can be repaired. Through job training, former felons or addicts may have the opportunity to right the wrongs of bad decisions by starting over in…
You may already know FastForward is one of the quickest, most affordable training programs in Virginia, but did you know that with FastForward training, you may also see an increase in take-home pay? According to early data from Virginia’s New Economy Workforce Credentials Grants, workers who…
Before Micah enrolled in a welding training program at Tidewater Community College, he was working a job at a septic company. Only six months on the job, he decided to change his career path and get trained in something different. “I thought that welding would be…
In a rapidly evolving economy that increasingly relies on freelance workers, having up-to-date and certified skill sets can mean the difference between thriving and just getting by. So said a Richmond business consultant at a recent educational conference devoted to workforce training. “Make no mistake, the…
After working for the U.S. Army in logistics in war-torn Afghanistan, Mohammed Fayez Adli needed to leave his native country and make a new life in the U.S. To find work here, he needed help translating and applying his education and business experience to his adopted…
Automation, artificial intelligence and advanced materials are transforming the American workplace, and people who want to succeed in the new economy will need to keep their skills and professional credentials up to date. A report from McKinsey Global Institute predicts that by 2030, a third of U.S….
For many of us, the beginning of a new year serves as a fresh start for the areas in our life we wish to improve. That may mean heading to the gym to start a healthier lifestyle, or it may mean looking for opportunities to better…
“I’ve worked my share of dead-end jobs, and I know what it’s like to need a new start. That’s why I’m excited to be a FastForward Career Coach.” – Mike Frasnelli, Northern Virginia Community College Mike Frasnelli found his dream job in education and career counseling…
For some people, being stuck behind the wheel can be a headache. For Kenneth, being in the driver’s seat gives him a sense of feeling and accomplishment – all thanks to his CDL-Class A credential earned through the FastForward workforce training program. Kenneth enrolled in the…