We give everyone the opportunity to learn and develop the right skills so lives and communities are strengthened.
A Brief History of VCCS
Virginia’s Community Colleges have a 45-year track record of educational excellence and innovation to serve the needs of our citizens and strengthen the commonwealth’s economy. When Virginia’s General Assembly established the Virginia Community College System in 1966, the need for a comprehensive system was well known. Over the two decades after the end of World War II, leaders in government, business, professional sectors, and academia had called for a new approach to providing educational opportunity.
Where We Are Going
To contribute to the economic and civic vitality of the commonwealth and its international competitiveness, Virginia’s Community Colleges commit to increasing access to affordable education and training for more individuals so they acquire the knowledge and skills to be successful in an ever-changing global economy. Having achieved the majority of the initial goals early, Virginia’s Community Colleges are reaching higher and pursuing the following more ambitious goals adopted in January 2013.
WDS
What is WDS?
To contribute to the economic and civic vitality of the commonwealth and its international competitiveness, Virginia’s Community Colleges commit to increasing access to affordable education and training for more individuals so they acquire the knowledge and skills to be successful in an ever-changing global economy. Having achieved the majority of the initial goals early, Virginia’s Community Colleges are reaching higher and pursuing the following more ambitious goals adopted in January 2013 Community colleges are a main hub for Virginia’s Workforce System.
The Virginia Community College System is one of Virginia’s major state agencies responsible for workforce development services. The Workforce Development Services arm of Virginia’s Community Colleges aligns education and economic development to extend workforce development courses, training and programs into
communities across Virginia.
Last year, colleges provided more than 87,000 individuals with workforce related training and helped over 9,000 businesses strengthen their workforce. Programs and Services for Individuals and Businesses Include:
Industry Certifications and Professional Licensures Courses
Skills Assessment through the Career Readiness Certification
Apprenticeships
Career Coaching
Customized training
Virginia Workforce Network
Workforce Development Services is also part of the Virginia Workforce Network (VWN), a system of career development, business and educational partners and agencies that connect Virginians to opportunities that help them develop a better career. Through the VWN tools, career seekers receive support, education and training that prepare them for jobs and businesses are connected to a skilled and prepared workforce.