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…
Virginia’s rural electric cooperatives knew they faced a stark future if they did not act: short of enough workers with specialized skills, they would not be able to maintain the power grid across the countryside. To tackle what they termed “astounding” numbers of expected retirements in…
Technology is constantly evolving and it’s becoming increasingly important for organizations to stay on top of trends and use the latest equipment. For Ben, a captain at the Stafford County Sheriff’s office, this meant enrolling in FastForward to help better serve the Stafford community by flying…
Making the decision to change your career, and your life, isn’t always an easy one. It can be an intimidating situation, but you shouldn’t let the fear of the unknown get in the way of a better career path. That’s where our FastForward Career Coaches come…