This week on Educationally Speaking, we are discussing a statewide grant program that can help train workers for local jobs.

Tidewater Community College is participating in a statewide grant program known as Fast Forward. Fast Forward grants offset tuition costs on select workforce training programs, and eligible students can earn an industry credential at one third the cost of tuition for short-term training programs. The in-demand skilled trades include many of the jobs that local industry leaders have been having difficulty recruiting qualified candidates for. However, according to Dr. Emily Richardson, interim associate vice president for Business and Corporate Solutions at Tidewater Community College, there appears to be a new awareness for these in-demand skilled workers.

Educationally Speaking airs Weekdays at 11:04 a.m. on 89.5 WHRV FM. Listen to past episodes.