Short-Term FastForward Programs
What is FastForward?
FastForward is a high-demand program helping Virginians get the 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. Job applicants with workforce credentials are twice as likely to be hired than applicants with no credentials.
Financial assistance is available to students participating in training and certification in one of the following approved programs:
For a description of the programs, click on the program title.
This is a 12-month program. Each part runs 6 months.
Students will earn entry-level skills in each of the eight areas of automotive service and repair defined by the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Training Topics:
» Automatic Transmission/Transaxle
» Brakes
» Electrical/Electronic Systems
» Engine Performance
» Engine Repair
» Heating & Air-conditioning
» Manual Drive Train & Axles
» Suspension & Steering
Tuesdays and Thursdays
5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
WCC WEST in Marion
The complete AWS D1.1 Structural Steel certification course is made up of 80 hours of training. The focus of the program is to advance the welding skill of each student so that each is prepared to successfully test and certify in the AWS D1.1 structural steel welding code process.
Training Topics:
» Fundamentals of the GMAW processes
» Safety » Routine equipment maintenance
» Troubleshooting » Preparation of ferrous and non-ferrous metal prior to welding
» AWS certification guidelines
» Technique and proficiency in the 1-G welding position
» 1-F and 2F welding positions
Monday and Wednesday
5:00 - 8:30 PM
Crossroads Institute - Galax
This program will introduce students to four areas of maintenance technology. Students will have the opportunity to earn many certifications. Certifications are earned through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) and National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3).
Training Topics:
»Electrical Power
»Mechanical Power
»Fluid Power
»Automation
Tuesday and Thursday
5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
WCC Main Campus- 217 Grayson Hall
This four-week program provides classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel experience to obtain a class A license. This program is only available to Virginia residents 18 or older, and out-of-state residents 21 or older.
Training Topics:
» Department of Transportation Laws & Regulations
» Operation of Commercial Vehicles
» Preparing Daily Driver Logs
» Transporting Hazardous Materials
» Commercial Vehicle Safety
» Vehicle Safety Inspections
» Vehicle Components and Proper Function
» Airbrake Testing
» Truck and Trailer Backing Techniques
» Trip Planning and Map Reading
Monday - Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Crossroads Institute - Galax
The Power Line Worker curriculum addresses the fundamental aspects of power line work to ensure workers maintain safety for both the public and electrical crews. Power Line Workers install, remove, maintain, and repair high-voltage and low-voltage distribution lines and associated equipment and facilities. Students earn certifications through NCCR, and a Class A CDL, in addition to others.
Training Topics:
» Truck Driving
» Safety
» Underground Boring
» Loading & Unloading Equipment
» Rigging
» Operating Utility Service Equipment
Monday - Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
WCC Main Campus
Training Topics:
» Operating Utility Service Equipment
» Locating Underground Cable
» Loading & Unloading Equipment
» Installation of Transformers » Equal Potential Grounding and Box Grounding
» Installation of Meter Boxes and Services
» Class A CDL Truck Driving
Monday - Thursday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
WCC Main Campus
This class serves as the first level of training in the Heavy Equipment Operator program. Students receive hands-on training while using simulators, which replicate real-life operating scenarios through rotation-motion platforms and high-resolution 3D displays for excavator and wheel loader equipment. Simulator Exercises for Equipment Basic Controls, Loading and Unloading, Excavating and Trenching will also be covered.
Topics covered include:
- Orientation to the Trade
- Heavy Equipment Safety
- Identification of Heavy Equipment
- Basic Operational Techniques
- Introduction to Earthmoving
- Interpreting Civil Drawings
13 Weeks
Tuesdays
8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Crossroads
The Off-Road Diesel Tech program provides practical experience in the repair and maintenance of engines, fuel systems, electrical systems, clutch and transmissions, hydraulics, hydrostatic transmissions, drivelines and axles, frame and suspension systems, steering systems, brake systems, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
18 weeks
Mondays and Wednesdays
5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Crossroads
FastForward program contact: Lisa Lowe
Email: llowe@wcc.vccs.edu
Phone: (276) 223-4867
Please contact Lisa to schedule an appointment. Application packet and deadlines for applying will be provided at that time. Students are entered on a first come, first served basis as applications are finalized. It is important for students to be proactive in finalizing their applications in a timely manner.
Required Documentation:
- Driver's License/or Birth Certificate
- Utility Bill with most recent address: (bank statement, cell phone bill, electric, voter card, etc.)
- Most recent Tax Return filed (if parent/guardian is claiming you as a dependent, parent or guardian tax return will be required along with driver's license from both parent and student); OR if receiving TANF/SNAP (provide a copy of eligibility letter); OR if receiving Disability (provide a copy of eligibility determination letter).
Questions?
Contact the Workforce Development Office:
Lisa Lowe, Workforce Career & Credentials Coach
(276) 223-4717
llowe@wcc.vccs.edu
Ronni Sharpe, Workforce Career Coach
(276) 223-4867
rsharpe@wcc.vccs.edu