What is VA Ready?
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.