Mountain Empire Community College’s Workforce Solutions provides state-of-the art workforce training and services to individuals, businesses, industries, and government agencies. As an active member of the community, Workforce Solutions collaborates with regional employers on an ongoing basis to maintain a competitive workforce in today’s global economy.
To support the goals of business and industry, Workforce Solutions provides customized job training offered at MECC or the client’s site, as well as open enrollment courses for professional and personal development. Credit, non-credit, and distance education courses promote life-long learning and economic development in the Southwest Virginia Region.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of a community college is its continuing and integral role in community service and economic development. MECC is committed to this important role and offers many programs and services to fulfill this mission. Industry certifications and customized training programs are available through MECC’s Workforce Solutions. For additional information on these programs, call 276-523-9114.
Non-Credit Classes
Mountain Empire Community College’s Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia provides state-of-the art workforce training and services to individuals, businesses, industries, and government agencies. MECC serves employers through open enrollment courses that allow emerging or incumbent employees to upgrade their skills, as well as customized training services that provide employers with tailored training programs that meet specific training needs at a significant value. The result is a workforce that is better prepared to quickly meet changing workplace demands, ensuring that employers are better able to provide direct benefit to their community and economy.
MECC’s Center for Workforce and Innovation of Appalachia designs timely, customized training programs to address the ever-changing opportunities and challenges faced by employers. Based on results of training needs assessments, the College designs and implements Custom Training Programs to update and improve the workforce skills, increase employee engagement, and improve company performance to help achieve organizational goals.
Customized training focuses on skills that improve:
- Organizational productivity (team building, management and leadership, coaching, or lean manufacturing);
- Individual productivity (time management, managing stress, communication, or customer service);
- Computer skills (cybersecurity, networking, technical certifications, or customized applications);
- Job specific skills (manufacturing and trade skills, logistics and transportation, health and wellness, CPR, OSHA, and many others).
Financial Aid – MECC Workforce Programs
FastForward
Will pay two thirds of the full cost of any approved program. (Additional aid options available). Student must be a Virginia resident for the last 12 months (Domiciled in Virginia) and complete the application to qualify. FastForward Programs (Workforce Credential Grant) have been
identified as preparatory training programs for credentials in high demand professions. Virginia domiciled residents can take these programs by paying 1/3 of the actual cost with no additional cost, provided they successfully complete the program. For more information, contact FastForward Coach.
FANTIC (Financial Aid for Noncredit Industry Credentials)
Will pay the full first third of any FastForward Program (Effective January 1 – June 30, 2023). Student must be a Virginia resident for the last 12months (Domiciled in Virginia) and complete the application and provide documentation verifying financial need to qualify. This program is income based if your current adjusted income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guideline you may qualify.
G3
Be eligible for Virginia in-state financial aid.
Receive a total household income less than or equal to four hundred percent of the Federal Poverty Level. This is roughly an income of $100,000 for a family of four.
Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an approved institution and in an approved program.
Be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours per semester or enrolled in an approved FastForward program.
Have applied for federal and state student financial aid programs for which they may be eligible (or FANTIC for FastForward students).
VCEDA (Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority)
Will pay first third of VCEDA approved classes. Student must be a Virginia resident for the last 12 months (Domiciled in Virginia) and live in one of the following counties or cities in the Coalfield Region: Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, City of Norton, Russell, Buchanan, and Tazewell. Contact Lee Davis (leedavis@sheet-china.net) for information.
WIOA (Workforce Innovation Act)
Can pay tuition, gas reimbursement, childcare, etc. Student must meet WIOA eligibility requirements. Contact case manager for more information. Case manager based on county of student residence.