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VA Ready is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that launched in June 2020 with a mission to help thousands of under and unemployed Virginians access the short-term training needed to get back to work in today’s most in-demand jobs. With its Public-Private-Partnership design, VA Ready brings together the Virginia Community College System’s (VCCS) 23 colleges, the Commonwealth’s FastForward program, and more than 20 business partners who employ millions of Virginians. VA Ready Scholars have access to 34 healthcare, technology and other skilled training programs; learn the skills needed to secure one of today’s most in-demand positions; receive $1,000 upon credential completion; and are connected to VA Ready’s business partners for interview opportunities.

VA Ready Benefits

Affordable, Quick Training

The average cost of a FastForward training program is less than $3,000, and these programs last only 6-12 weeks. FastForward covers 2/3 of the tuition for the program and financial aid may be available to help pay for the remainder. Financial aid for other Education Partners such as Sentara is also available.

​Earn a Credential Achievement Award

VA Ready Scholars will receive a $1,000 award upon completing the course and earning the credential.

Connect with our Business Partners

Upon earning the credential, there is potential for VA Ready Scholars to interview with our Business Partners.

Develop Useful Professional Skills

The VA Ready Scholar program will soon include partnerships with other programs to include job readiness skills that set graduates apart.

High Completion Rate

With more than 90% of students successfully finishing the credential courses at FastForward, students will be prepared to enter the workforce with the skills for success.

 

Eligibility Requirements

VA Ready aims to help all those who qualify to achieve their goals and gain the skills
they need to re-enter the workforce in a new career field. In order to qualify, you must meet
the eligibility requirements below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Updated 01/25/2021

 

Interested? Follow these steps to sign up

Step 1: Visit the FastForward website and Request More Information about the course. A representative from your local community college will reach out to you with more information.

Step 2: Once you have enrolled in a VA Ready supported course at one of the 23 community colleges, sign up for VA Ready by clicking this link to submit an application as Final for the VA Ready team to review prior to or within the first 5 calendar days of your course starting.

 

Courses Supported by VA Ready

 

Industry

Career

Program

Technology Computer User Support Specialists CompTIA A+
Information Security Analysts CompTIA Security+
Certified Professional and Ethical Hacker
Network and Computer Systems Administrators CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Linux+
Computer Network Support Specialists CISCO Networking Technician and Associate
CompTIA IT Fundamentals
Comp TIA Server+
AWS Cloud Practitioner
AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Healthcare Medical Assistants Medical Assistant
Nursing Assistants Certified Nurse Aide (CNA)
Medication Aide
Phlebotomists Phlebotomy Technician
Pharmacy Technicians Pharmacy Technician
Medical Records and Health Info Technicians Billing and Coding Specialist
Professional Coder
EMT and Paramedics Emergency Medical Technician
Medical Secretaries Medical administrative assistant
Medical Scribe
EKG Technologies Technician
Select trades and others  Welders, Cutters, Solderers, Brazers Welding*
Marine Trade Training*
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers Power Line Worker
Machinists Machining*
Electricians Electrical and Electrical Systems
Heating, AC and Refrigerations Mechanics HVAC*
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Plumbing and Electrical
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Commercial Driver’s License A
Logistics Certified Logistics Associate
Certified Logistics Technician
Heavy Equipment Heavy Equipment Operator Level 1
Heavy Equipment Operator Level 2

*Program certifications and occupation requirements may vary by college.

Although this is the current list of eligible programs, the list is subject to change. No other courses qualify as part of this initiative at this time.