planning

Step One: Get Yourself Organized

Going through workforce training doesn’t have to be complicated. A little planning and organization can go a long way. Before you reach out to your local FastForward Career Coach, here are three things you can do to make things run as smoothly as possible.

Do some research

Whether you’re switching careers or looking to advance in your current one, arm yourself with information so you can start thinking about your goals and plan. “I have students look at O*NET and research their training,” said Lisha Wolfe, FastForward Career Coach and Paul D. Camp Community College. “Students need to research the pay rates and what extra training they may need.”

Know your goals

Maybe your dream job is a few notches up the ladder. Or maybe you don’t know what specific job you’re looking for, but you know what industry you want to work in. If you have an idea of what you want to do, or what kind of role you’re looking for, your FastForward Career Coach can help you find the training to get you there. “Students should come up with both long- and short-term goals, and figure out concrete steps for reaching both,” said Meghan Copenhaver, from Virginia Highlands Community College. “Write them down and post them somewhere that you will see every day.”

Have a plan

Like Meghan said, have a plan and write it down. Our coach at Patrick Henry Community College, Alyssa Hawley, agrees. “Create a step-by-step plan of action after reviewing your goals for both career and life, and assess barriers you may face and ways to overcome them.” Will having a criminal record affect your first choice for training? Plan for a back-up. Are your children in childcare? Make sure to ask about assistance or training that fits with your schedule.

To learn more about FastForward training where you live, reach out to you local coach to ask those questions.