DANVILLE, Va. – Danville Community College, as an extension of the FastForward workforce initiative, joins with the Virginia Ready Initiative in conjunction with the Virginia Community College System to provide additional support and incentive for community members who have been laid off due to COVID-19 to retrain and return to work in high-demand fields.

VA Ready is a newly established nonprofit organization formed in response to the economic hardships created by COVID-19.

Recently, VA Ready announced details of its plan to help thousands of unemployed Virginians access the training needed to get back to work.

“Danville Community College offers a robust array of workforce training, right here in our hometown,” said Jimmie Tickle, associate vice president of workforce services for DCC. “From welding to plumbing and certified nursing assistant to Cisco networking technician, we are proud to be able to extend these programs to the members of our community who may be struggling with job loss during these trying times.”

Programs Included in the VA Ready initiative include Cisco Networking Technician, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, Certified Nursing Assistant, Welding, CDL License A, Electrical and Electrical Systems and Plumbing.

VA Ready and its partners – 20 of the Commonwealth’s leading businesses – provide incentives for motivated, out-of-work Virginians to reskill for in-demand jobs in high-growth sectors.

Upon achieving their new credentials, “VA Ready Scholars” receive a $1,000 Credential Achievement Award and are offered opportunities to interview at many of Virginia’s best companies.

Funded through philanthropic donations and company contributions, VA Ready recognizes and rewards student initiative to gain new skills.