Nearly 250 people attended a joint information session last month sponsored by the What’s Next Initiative and supported by Virginia Peninsula Community College’s Workforce Development. The session aimed to inform the community about programs, certificates and job training available at the College, as well as state-funded financial assistance.
Franz Albertini, director of enrollment and retention for Workforce Development at VPCC, wasn’t expecting that many people.
“There was a line of folks ready to hear what we had to tell them,” he said, noting when he arrived a few minutes before the 5 p.m. start that line at Brooks Crossing in downtown Newport News was out the door.
What surprised him even more was the number of people – 217 – who signed up for one of the College’s Workforce programs. Healthcare was the most popular with 100 people signing up for one of its classes. That was followed by manufacturing and trades (47), commercial driver license training (39), information technology (25), and hospitality and tourism (6).
Albertini pointed to two factors for the high number of attendees and high number of those registering for a class: The College’s partnership with What’s Next and increased state-provided financial assistance for the programs.
VPCC’s collaboration with What’s Next began about three years ago. The College provides training in numerous fields while What’s Next connects the people in the community to the programs the College offers.
“They assist us in terms of promoting our programs as well as sending out recruitment messages to the community for our programs,” Albertini said. “They have been a really great partner to have.”
Todd Estes, vice president of Workforce Development and Innovation at the College, couldn’t agree more.
“The What’s Next Initiative has been an outstanding partner in engaging our local communities and increasing awareness of the exceptional career and training opportunities available on the Peninsula,” he said. “They also play a vital role in helping individuals overcome barriers by connecting them with the supportive services they need to succeed. Together with VPCC’s industry-recognized training and FastForward financial assistance, we’re removing barriers, expanding access to high-demand careers, and strengthening the workforce pipelines that power our regional economy.”
Last year’s state funding for FastForward programs was greatly reduced, limiting the financial assistance available to students and, as a result, the number of students able to enroll in classes at VPCC. With the new state budget taking effect July 1, available assistance increased significantly.
“That’s why there was a line out there. The funding was included in the state budget,” Albertini said.
It was the first such information session the College had done in more than a year, but Albertini anticipates another one in September or October.
“It’s been a tremendous success,” he said of the partnership between the College and What’s Next. “We’re happy to be a part of this because it’s another great partner that we have in the community to share all these great opportunities we have at the College, particularly all these great programs that are short-term.”
He called it a win-win for the College and area residents looking to improve their skills, change careers or find a new job.
“(Students) get their credential and they are transitioning to employment opportunities,” he said. “And (What’s Next) helps us meet our mission.”
