FastForward Prepares NRV Workforce for Jobs in Manufacturing

Pulaski County, VA – New River Community College (NRCC)’s FastForward Program was highlighted in an article in the July 2020 issue of Valley Business Front. The program is run by NRCC’s Office of Workforce Development and is designed to help individuals in Virginia’s New River Valley prepare and train for in-demand careers.

According to the article, “FastForward was made possible by the New Economy Workforce Credential Grant Program, developed during the 2016 General Assembly Session, to create and sustain a supply of credentialed workers to fill high-demand occupations in fields which support the state’s economy while making the attainment of these credentials more affordable.”

Several of the FastForward training programs at NRCC are designed to serve students looking for careers in the manufacturing industry. There are two Six Sigma certification programs that are offered in partnership with the college’s Manufacturing Technology Center. In addition, the college is adding a Certified Production Technician (CPT) program in Spring 2021. This goal of this Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) program is to “raise the level of performance of production technicians both to assist the individuals in finding higher-wage jobs and to help employers ensure their workforce increases the company’s productivity and competitiveness.”

Virginia’s New River Valley is a hub for the advanced manufacturing industry, and training programs like FastForward help to strengthen the industry’s talent pool in the region.

Read the full article from Valley Business Front about the NRCC FastForward program here.

Learn more about the NRCC FastForward program here.

###Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.