FastForward is a grant-funded training program aimed at high-demand fields. It is available at the 23 institutions in the Virginia Community Colleges System. The programs usually last from 6-12 weeks, and upon completion, students earn a workforce credential or industry certificate. The completion rate is 90 percent, and many students are hired as soon as they complete the program requirements.
The program began in 2016 and featured more than 120 workforce credential programs. To be eligible, you need to be a resident of Virginia for at least the previous 12 months. Students have to pay one-third of the cost for an approved program when they register. The state pays another third when the student completes the program and the final third when the student earns their credential. However, if a student doesn’t complete the program, he/she has to pay for the final two-thirds of the tuition price, also.
Virginia Peninsula Community College has had several successful FastForward stories. Myo Kyaw took advantage of the program to earn a welding certificate. Here’s his story:
I understand you haven’t been in the United States very long. Where are you from and why did you decide to come to the U.S.? I’m from Myanmar. The reason I came to the U.S. was for better opportunities.
How much was it able to help you? It helped me tremendously in my field.
Would you recommend it to others? Yes.
I understand you already have a job. What will you be doing? I did get a job with Gilliam Welding (in Hampton).
Would that have been possible without the FastForward program? No, I don’t think it would have been possible without the FastForward program or my instructor’s help.
To learn more about FastForward, call 757-825-4070.