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Fast Forward

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!

Virginia Ready Workforce Initiative Tidewater Community College TCC

Virginia Ready Initiative
If you’re recently out-of-work, the Virginia Ready Initiative can help you get back to work in an in-demand job with a $1,000 Credential Achievement Award. If you are unemployed and eligible for a FastForward program you qualify*!
Learn how to become a VA Ready Scholar.

*You must be unemployed 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.

FastForward 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

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

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

IT & Cyber Security

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

  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
  • CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
  • Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

Logistics & transportation

Earn high-demand transportation certifications in commercial driving!

  • CDL Class A
  • CDL Class B

NEED HELP?

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

Student Success Contacts

Alejandra Diaz-Rangel, FastForward Career Coach
Email: adiaz-rangel@tcc.edu
Phone: 757-822-1543

Katrina Faison-Crew, G3 Academic Advisor (Healthcare)
Email: kfaison-crew@tcc.edu
Phone: 757-822-1568

Theresa Romanelli, Student Success Coach (Skilled Trades and Information Technology)
Email: Tromanelli@tcc.edu
Phone: 757-822-1537