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FastForward

CHANGE YOUR FUTURE IN WEEKS. NOT YEARS.

The FastForward program helps students pay for short-term programs that can lead to high-paying jobs with industry recognized certifications or licenses.

Domiciled Virginia residents can earn an industry credential at 1/3 the cost of tuition for short-term training programs. Income eligible students can qualify for additional financial assistance that pays up to 90% of the cost of your training in high-demand programs in fields like IT, health care and the skilled trades!

FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY FOR FASTFORWARD Funding

How to Become a Virginia Ready Scholar

Virginia Ready enables Virginians to acquire the skills and resources they need to succeed in a competitive job market, while uplifting the value of credential based scholars. Virginia Ready scholars are Virginians who seize the moment and commit themselves to training for in-demand jobs.

Applicants must be enrolled in an approved course through our educational partners, complete career readiness training, and upon earning their credential, they will receive a $1,000 Credential Achievement Award. During the Scholar Journey, they receive resume support, career coaching , and have access to our Employer Network: leading companies in Virginia that are hiring in healthcare, business/IT, and skilled trades industries.

  • Over 7,200 Scholars Enrolled
  • 67% of Scholars are Employed or Advanced Their Careers
  • Over 4,800 Credentials Earned
  • *Figures above account for Scholar enrollment from August 2020 through April 2023.
  • *Employment data is collected at the time of credential completion and is inclusive of data received by the Virginia Employment Commission.

Learn how to become a VA Ready Scholar.

*You must be unemployed or underemployed and enrolled in a FastForward class in order to be eligible. As soon as you are enrolled, you can register as a VA Ready scholar – and then follow up after earning your credential.

* Not all TCC-approved programs are eligible for VA Ready Scholars programs. See a list of eligible VA Ready Scholar Programs here.

PROGRAMS

Our eligible credential programs are based on the needs of local, Virginia-based employers, which means our students are in demand for skilled jobs when they complete their training. And, with our expert instructors and dedicated coaches to help at every step of the way from registration to completion, up to 90% of our students successfully finish their credential courses. Explore FastForward-eligible courses in TCC’s online registration system.

HEALTH CARE

Deliver expert patient care and launch an in-demand and high-paying career with certifications and licenses in areas like billing & codes and medical assisting!

  • Certified Billing & Coding Specialist
  • Certified Clinical Medical Assistant*
  • Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
  • Certified Professional Coder
  • Phlebotomy Technician FastTrack
  • EKG Technician

MARITIME TRADES

Train for high-paying jobs in the maritime industry specializing in areas like welding, pipefitting, and sheet metal.  

  • Marine Trades Training Coatings*
  • Marine Trades Training Pipefitting*
  • Marine Trades Training Sheet Metal*
  • Marine Trades Training Welding*
  • Maritime Pipefitter*
  • Maritime Structural Fitter*

WELDING & MANUFACTURING

Unlock a high-demand career with skilled certifications and licenses in welding, computer-controlled machining, and job planning.

  • CNC Milling
  • CNC Turning
  • Shielded Metal Arc Welding*
  • Job Planning, Benchwork & Layout
  • Measurement, Materials & Safety
  • Certified Welder*
  • Flux Core Welding*
  • Gas Metal Arc Welding*
  • Gas Tungsten Arc Welding*

Skilled Trades

Get hands-on with skilled training in the newest technologies for fields like HVAC, construction, carpentry, and plumbing!

  • Carpentry
  • Core-introductory Craft Skills
  • Electrical*
  • HVAC*
  • Pipelayer
  • Plumbing *
  • Optical Telecom Installer
  • Solar Photovoltaic Installer

IT, CYBER SECURITY & Business

Dive into the world of cyber security and technology with industry-leading certifications growing fields.

  • Public Safety Communicator
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • CompTIA A+
  • CompTIA Network+*
  • CompTIA Security+*
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

LOGISTICS & TRANSPORTATION

Earn high-demand transportation certifications in commercial driving!

  • CDL Class A
  • CDL Class B

Learn more about TCC’s FastForward programs. Although approved as FastForward classes, not all classes are currently offered.

(*) Virginia Ready approved programs.

NEED HELP?

To learn more about the FastForward program or to inquire about your funding eligibility, please contact us at 757-822-1234 or workforce@tcc.edu