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FastForward tailored training By Jennifer Poff Cooper A recently launched statewide program at New River Community College is fast-forwarding entry into new career paths for participants. There are multiple winners when training the workforce at community colleges, according to Mark Rowh, New River Community College’s Vice President for Workforce Development and External Relations. First, students are enrolled in short-term programs that help them obtain nationally recognized credentials. They can receive higher-paying jobs without lengthy or expensive schooling. Employers benefit by having an appropriately trained workforce in the pipeline. Workers are credentialed, meaning employers know they have the necessary knowledge and skills. Lastly, both the New River Valley and the
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Commonwealth win as the programs foster a more productive workforce and in turn economic growth, higher tax revenues and development. New River Community College’s (NRCC) Office of Workforce Development provides a myriad of services including credentialing, training opportunities, skills upgrading and career development programs, retraining, adult education (GED), and pre-employment testing. Rowh emphasizes that each of the state’s community colleges tailors its offerings to local industry requirements. He said the workforce development program prides itself on flexibility, adapting quickly to
