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 education plays a critical role in the company’s long-term success.
Dominion Energy provides regulated electricity service to more than 2.5 million homes and businesses across the commonwealth. As one of the nation’s leading developers of regulated offshore wind and solar power, the company’s mission is to deliver reliable, affordable and clean energy that powers communities every day.
“Higher ed is really important to Dominion Energy and our workforce and talent efforts because community colleges is kind of the lynch pin of our partnerships,” Kellum said.
With operations spanning across Virginia, Dominion Energy relies on community colleges to help align industry needs with hands-on training programs that prepare students for in-demand careers.
Industry Partnerships at Virginia’s Community Colleges
“[Virginia’s Community Colleges] certainly understand how to translate our workforce needs and the skills that are included or needed in those workforce needs into curriculum delivery, training delivery that many of us in the industry will require,” Kellum said.
Through strong partnerships with employers like Dominion Energy, Virginia’s Community Colleges continue to transform workforce demands into practical training that prepares students for highly employable careers in critical industries.
The Value of Skilled Trade Programs
Through partnerships with industry leaders like Dominion Energy, Virginia’s Community Colleges align workforce training with real-world demand. These collaborations ensure students gain the technical skills employers need while opening doors to essential, high-demand careers that serve communities across the state.
“Coming to higher ed, especially if you’re representing industry, is extremely invaluable,” Kellum said. “We’re all helping each other.”
Whether students are exploring careers in energy, skilled trades or other high-demand industries, the FastForward program provides pathways that connect education directly to opportunity.
Learn more about enrolling in FastForward’s skilled trades program at your local community college here.