NOVA offers free job training to unemployed federal workers

Northern Virginia Community College on March 13 announced a free training program to help unemployed federal workers and contractors transition to new careers.

The NOVA New Employment, Exploration and Transition (NOVAnext) program will provide scholarships to allow approved participants to enroll in one of 14 courses at no charge and access NOVA-sponsored online workshops on resume-writing and job search techniques.

NOVA has committed $1 million to this effort. 

The college has many classes that prepare students for industry-recognized certifications in specific IT specialties, program management, and human resources. Additional options include a range of self-paced, online entrepreneurship courses and a new course in generative AI.

To be eligible, federal workers and federal contract workers must have been laid off on or after Feb. 1, reside within the NOVA service area, meet a residency requirement, and fill out an online application.

Apply for NOVAnext here.

Virginia Career Works will review applications and confirm eligibility.

Related story: Fired federal workers worry about financial security in a tight job market

NOVAnext will enable participants “to explore how their skills and experience can match in-demand jobs available in the region or gain the skills needed to start an enterprise,” NOVA states.

Participants can also enroll in any other FastForward or NOVA course at regular tuition rates and may qualify for additional state financial aid. FastForward is an accelerated workforce initiative that offers financial assistance to people pursuing industry-recognized credentials and certifications for high-demand jobs in Virginia.

“Many talented Northern Virginians are facing sudden, unexpected changes in their professional lives,” says NOVA President Anne Kress. “As the community’s college, NOVA is focused on advancing opportunity, and the current moment has made our mission ever more important. We are honored to play a role in connecting residents across the region to their next steps, helping to build brighter futures.”