Why FastForward?
Many paths lead to success. Understanding that, Virginia’s Community Colleges created FastForward to bolster its workforce and make it easier for students to access training for new skills.
FastForward is a short-term workforce credential program to train Virginians for top, in-demand jobs across the Commonwealth.
Most programs take between 6 and 12 weeks and are built so students can get their education while they work. With FastForward, students can gain the skills they need quickly and affordably, while creating more opportunity for their future.
Impact That’s Powerful, Flexible, and Measurable
FastForward is the most immediate path to better wages and a higher standard of living.
There are more than 200 FastForward programs to prepare students for in-demand careers in healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, manufacturing, logistics, and more.
- Since the FastForward program launched in July 2016, approximately 23,000 credentials have been awarded across Virginia
- The majority of FastForward students are career-changers
- Individuals experience wage gains of 25 to 50%
- Graduates experience significant quality of life enhancements including: employer sponsored healthcare (90%), paid sick leave (75%), paid vacation time (85%), improved work schedules (88%), and fulfilling work in their preferred field (82%)