Some people were born to help others. Whether it’s through military enlistment, volunteerism or working in the service industry, some of us were made to lend a hand. For David, he’s made a career out of serving, first his country in the U.S. Navy, and soon,…
There are many different hardships that prevent a person from working. In 2009, Heather lost her job due to health issues. As her health improved, but her 401K and savings declined, she needed to find a way to re-enter the workforce. To boost her career chances…
Jacob wasn’t going to let his age hold him back from pursuing his goals. Just before graduating high school, Jacob’s guidance counselor told him about the FastForward program at Blue Ridge Community College. With his interest piqued, he enrolled and completed a welding course, which led…
Mercedes has always had an interest in medicine and in helping people. She received her first medical training when she was still in high school, and her interest in the field only grew after she faced a medical condition herself. She recalls that her interactions with…
Virginia is known around the world for its world-class military operations – from the Naval Shipyard in Hampton Roads, to Coast Guard, Army and Air Force troops stationed at Fort Belvoir, Fort Lee, Quantico and more. Serving the military community is something FastForward prides itself in…
For Megan, the decision to pursue a career in the power line industry came from wanting to have a stable career and a secure future for herself and her 12-year-old daughter. “The best part that appealed to me was just the financial stability and the fact…
Imagine spending your days with your hands deep in soil, pulling weeds and tending crops under the heat of the Virginia sun. For many in rural parts of the Commonwealth, this is a way of life, and as Ryan describes it for those who live on…
You know you’re in an exciting line of work when one day you’re installing a staircase at a college in Lynchburg and the next, you’re planning work on a high-rise construction project in Richmond. Since receiving his 6G Pipe Welding Certification after completing FastForward training, Marcus,…
When people are at their worst, Brittany is there to help see them through. Prior to enrolling in FastForward, Brittany was stationed at one of Sentara’s ER registration desks. She already earned a phlebotomy credential and a medical billing and coding credential through Paul D. Camp…
For Michelle, what started as a curiosity has now led to her making double what she made before and she’s earning high praise from her manager. Michelle had been working in home healthcare, making only $8 an hour, before deciding to enroll in pharmacy technician training…