Workforce Services Financial Assistance Programs
FastForward/FANTIC VAReady
FastForward
What is FastForward?
FastForward is a program helping Virginians get the high-demand jobs they want and the salaries they need. FastForward programs are short-term training courses offered through Virginia’s Community Colleges to help you fast-track your career.
Approved Programs | Register | Tuition Discount | Financial Assistance
Why "FastForward?"
In every corner of the Commonwealth, people are eager to find meaningful jobs, and employers are looking for workers with the right skills. In the decade leading up to 2023, Virginia businesses will need to hire more than 1.4 million people to replace retiring workers and fill newly-created jobs. According to the National Skills Coalition, almost half of the job openings in Virginia between 2010 and 2020 will require some post-high school education, but not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. To land these jobs applicants need industry-recognized credentials, certifications and licenses. These programs are called “FastForward” because they can help Virginians train for fulfilling new careers in weeks or months, instead of semesters or years. FastForward programs are offered at PVCC and other colleges in the Virginia Community College System.
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FastForward programs offer a clear path to meaningful careers, providing students with a renewed sense of professional fulfillment that comes with turning their lives around.
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FastForward Career Coaches at each community college will help participants through the job training process, help search for financial aid, and even help them prepare for entry into the workforce.
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FastForward is the most affordable, attainable option in higher education.
Email fastforward@pvcc.edu for the most current list.
Pay only 1/3 of the class tuition for FastForward classes!
If you have been a resident of Virginia for the past 12 months, then you are eligible to receive Fast Forward.
- You pay 1/3 when you register for one of the approved classes.
- When you complete the class, the Commonwealth of Virginia pays the second 1/3.
- When you earn the credential, the Commonwealth of Virginia pays the final 1/3.
Please note: If you do not complete the Fast Forward class or do not attend the class, then you are responsible for the second 1/3 of the full tuition price.
To learn more about FastForward visit the Virginia Community College System FastForward website at www.fastforwardva.org.
To receive information about applying for FastForward and FANTIC financial assistance please complete the form below. You will receive an email with instructions.
Fastforward Approved Programs
(This list is subject to change)
|
CREDENTIAL |
CERTIFYING ORGANIZATION |
|---|---|
| COMPUTER | |
| CompTIA A+ | Computing Technology Industry Association |
| CompTIA Network+ | Computing Technology Industry Association |
| CompTIA Security+ | Computing Technology Industry Association |
| HEALTHCARE | |
| EKG Technician | |
| Nurse Aide |
Virginia Board of Nursing |
| Clinical Medical Assistant | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
| Medication Aide | Virginia Board of Nursing |
| Pharmacy Technician | Pharmacy Technican Certification Board |
| Phlebotomy Technician | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
| INDUSTRY | |
| 2-Stroke Engine Repair | Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) |
| 4-Stoke Engine Repair | Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) |
| Air Conditioning & Electrical Systems Troubleshooting | ESCO Group |
| Electrical Systems | Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) |
| Apartment Maintenance Technician | National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) |
| Compact Diesel Engine Repair |
Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) |
| Driveline/Hydraulics Certification | Equipment and Engine Training Council (EETC) |
| Electrical (Level 1-4) | National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER) |
| EPA Section 608 Technician Certification (HVAC) | ESCO Group |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | |
| HVAC Excellence Employment Ready Certification | ESCO Group |
| NCCER HVAC (Levels 1-4) | ESCO Group |
| Introduction to Air Conditioning (EPA Section 608 Certification) | ESCO Group |
| NCCER Core Craft Skills | National Center for Construction Education Resources (NCCER) |
| NCCER Craft Construction Laborer Levels 1 & 2 | National Center for Construction Education Resources (NCCER) |
| Solar Technician Associate Boot Camp (Photovoltaic Associate) |
North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP) |
| WELDING & SOLDERING | |
| Basic Certified Welder | American Welding Society (AWS) |
| Soldering | IPC - Association Connecting Electronics Industries |
| Pipe Welding (SMAW) | American Welding Society (AWS) |
| Welding (GMAW) | American Welding Society (AWS) |
| PROJECT MANAGEMENT | |
| Associate in Project Management (CAPM) | PMI-Professional Management Institute |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) | PMI-Professional Management Institute |
| TRANSPORTATION | |
| Commercial Driver's License | Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles |
| Remote Pilot Airman (Part 107) | FAA |
Financial Assistance - Financial Assistance for Noncredit Training that leads to Industry Credentials (FANTIC)
Financial assistance may be available for those who qualify.
Financial Assistance for Noncredit Training that leads to Industry Credentials (FANTIC) provides funding for students who meet the eligibility requirements and are not eligible for other financial assistance. This financial assistance will pay for a maximum of 90% of the student’s cost for the program. Qualified students are responsible for a minimum of 10% of student cost of the training at the time of registration.
| Persons in Family/Household | 200 Percent of Poverty (Poverty Guidelines x 2) |
| 1 person | $24,280 |
| 2 people | $32,920 |
| 3 people | $41,564 |
| 4 people | $50,200 |
| 5 people | $58,840 |
| 6 people | $67,480 |
| For families/households with more than 6 persons, add $4,320 for each additional person. | |
To Register for Fastforward classes:
Note:
- To register for PVCC Health Careers you must first attend a Health Care Pre-Enrollment Information Session. Sign-up online: Health Care Pre-Enrollment Information Session.
- To register for Commercial Driver's License classes, call Mike Marcotte at 434.987.5369 to set up an interview.
- To register for Welding classes, call PVCC Workforce Services at 434.961.5354. Please complete these forms before calling. VA Domicile Form, WCG Agreement.
- For all other FastForward classes, register online.
VA Ready
VA Ready provides registered VA Ready Scholars a $1,000 Credential Achievement Award upon obtaining the final credential in selected training programs in the following sectors: computer and cyber, healthcare and manufacturing/skilled trades.
For more information visit our VA Ready webpage.
Questions?
Call Fast Forward Career Coach at 434.961.5354 or 434.961.5495
or email fastforward@pvcc.edu.
Learn more about FastForward Programs at www.fastforwardva.org