In today’s rapidly changing job market, skilled trades stand out as a rewarding career choice. From electricians and plumbers to welders and mechanics, these hands-on professions offer a unique combination of job security and high earning potential.
Through programs offered at Virginia’s Community Colleges, students also have an opportunity to earn hands-on training without the burden of taking on student debt.
Below are five students who were able to leverage FastForward training at their local community college to pursue a stable career and enhance their overall quality of life.
Katie Shofstahl, Welding Student, Mountain Gateway Community College
“Mountain Gateway’s goal is to get you from the classroom to the field in a short duration of time. I was able to get a job working in a welding fabrication shop in less than six months after I started the training program. I worked on a bunch of structural things, hand railings, mining equipment, you name it. I got a lot of field experience there and I really found my love for the art.”
Harry Ree Pannell III, Plumbing and HVAC Student, Central Virginia Community College
“Entering these trades is very rewarding. Not only do you gain an understanding of the trade, you also are able to create bonds with your classmates, friendships and a potential new source network. The FastForward program offered me an opportunity to pursue plumbing and HVAC without the stress of figuring out how much it’s going to cost. It put an ease on my life to where I’m excited to go to class and I’m excited to learn. The enrollment process was simple. I did it over the phone and it took minutes.”
Briana Wood, Mechatronics Engineering Student, Virginia Western Community College
“I love automotive. I want to work in motorsport engineering post-graduation. After speaking with [my professor] and realizing there was a transfer agreement with ODU for mechanical engineering technology, I decided to enter the design mechatronics program. I’ll be graduating from Virginia Western this fall, and I will transfer to ODU.”
Wyatt Bowman, Powerline Worker Student, Wytheville Community College
What excites me the most about being a power line worker is being able to help people in need during a storm. Not having to pay tuition means that I get to be able to enter a workforce without having to worry about making payments and not having to worry about having debt.”
Jamod Winborne, Heavy Equipment Operator Student, Camp Community College.
“Finding out that I didn’t have to pay for the class was a plus, and one of the reasons I went ahead and signed up. Good opportunities don’t come around often, so you have to jump at it when it’s there. The advice I would give to someone is, don’t hesitate or waste time. Go ahead and take a course. It’s only going to make you better.”
Inspired? Eager to get started? Ready to finally LOVE your career? The first step is talking with a career coach.