How do I register for classes and what forms of payment do you accept?
You have several registration and payment options. Please note that your registration is not complete until your tuition has been paid and processed.
Payment is required at the time of registration. If you are seeking tuition assistance through FastForward or other programs, please register in person and complete all required documents.
Register by MAIL: Please send a completed registration packet along with appropriate payment or payment information to either of the following addresses: SVCC Workforce Development 109 Campus Drive Alberta, VA 23821 Or SVCC Workforce Development 200 Daniel Road Keysville, VA 23947
Register IN PERSON: Students may register from 8:30 am-4:30 pm, Monday – Friday, by coming by the workforce offices on the Christanna Campus in Alberta or the John H. Daniel Campus in Keysville or any off-campus center. Please bring all completed registration forms. Workforce Development staff will review each prospective student’s application to determine eligibility for FastForward tuition assistance. Contact your local federally supported WIOA office to inquire about eligibility for WIOA benefits which may include tuition assistance.
What is the Refund Policy?
Once registered and paid, participants have reserved a seat in the class. For seated classroom courses offered by SVCC, students may withdraw without penalty anytime during the first week of class as long as SVCC Workforce staff are notified no later than the end of the first week. After that, no refunds will be processed. For motorcycle classes, no refunds will be given after the first class begins.
*NOTE: Some specialty classes and those offered through third-party partners may have refund deadlines 14 days or more prior to class start date.
What is the Attendance Policy?
Punctual attendance and participation in WF classes and clinicals is paramount to student success. For most WF courses, the hours for attendance are mandatory to meet program and/or state regulations.
It is the student's responsibility to communicate with the WFD faculty member concerning any absence. The student may be required to present evidence to support an absence and make-up work for class absences will be permitted only as specified by the faculty member in the course syllabus.
Lack of attendance could result in administrative withdrawal and necessitate the repayment of WCG funds by the student.
How do I get my books for my classes?
Typically your textbook is included with the tuition fees for workforce development programs. Contact an SVCC Workforce Development staff member to determine what materials and supplies the student may be required to purchase.
Is there financial aid available for Workforce classes? What is the process for accessing these funds?
Based on availability of funds, state grant funding may be available for VA-domiciled residents to help offset the tuition cost of FastForward credentialing programs. FastForward training programs provide intensive training, and prepare students to obtain industry credentials in high-demand occupations. Examples of FastForward credentials offered at SVCC include Certified Nursing Assistant, Machining Skills, Welding Skills, Medication Aide, Truck Driver training, and Power Line Worker, among others. The industry credentials earned lead to entry-level jobs in the students’ chosen career pathway.
What is a Credential? How will that help me get a job?
Employers want to know that an applicant has the skills to perform the job. A credential is documentation that you possess skills and abilities as verified by an industry accreditation body. A credential assures an employer you have the required knowledge and ability to perform a specific job(s) rather than having to guess if a job candidate can really do what he/she says they can. Although there are multiple factors employers consider when making job selection decisions, credentials give them the confidence you have the knowledge and skills to perform the job.
Possessing in-demand credentials prepares our workforce for job entry and/or advancement in their profession. Another benefit of possessing a credential is portability. As long as you keep your credential current, the credential belongs to you and moves with you if you change employers, even if you move to another state.
What are High-Demand Occupations?
Virginia has identified current high-demand occupations around the state based on employer feedback as well as future workforce needs due to employee attrition and new technologies. While some occupations are in need state-wide, other occupations may be unique to specific areas of the state. These occupations either currently have openings or will soon be looking for job candidates.
How do I obtain the training and ultimately the Credential?
Virginia’s Community Colleges have responded by developing credential preparation programs to provide the required training to achieve the industry credential required to enter these high-demand occupations. While learning the skills is critical, without the credential, an employer (current or future) cannot be assured you have the required knowledge and ability. Training, without the credential, does not quantify your ability.
Can SVCC provide a class designed just for my company?
Yes. All of the classes listed on our schedule may be customized and delivered “On-Demand” for your business or organization. If you do not see a topic listed, contact us and we may be able to develop a training course. Our faculty are vetted subject matter experts with significant business experience in their fields. Please call (434) 949-1000 and ask for workforce development for more information.
Do you offer career certification programs?
Yes. A certification is a credential that you earn to show that you have specific skills or knowledge. Some employers require a certification in order to apply for a job. Many people earn specialty certifications to help them advance in their careers. We offer numerous courses that lead to certifications in health care, IT, business, and the manufacturing industry.
Do you offer career assistance?
Yes, we will help you navigate your career options and plan the best course of action to meet your career goals. We also offer career coaching and job placement services to assist you. Contact one of our Workforce Career Coaches:
Pam Taylor John H. Daniel Campus pam.taylor@southside.edu 434-738-7210
Courtney Starke Christanna Campus courtney.starke@southside.edu 434-949-6614
Do you offer Youth Programs?
Some SVCC off-campus centers offer summer camps for youth.
What is the CRC or NCRC and how do I obtain that certification?
The CRC stands for Career Readiness Certificate. NCRC stands for National Career Readiness Certificate. If you hold the CRC, you are likely qualified for nearly 70% of all jobs advertised. The CRC tests for Workplace Documents, Graphic Literacy, and Applied Mathematics. Southside Virginia Community College is the official CRC test location for our service region. Call 434-736-2088 for more information or visit the Virginia Community College CRC information page at vccs.edu
Do you offer online classes?
Yes, online classes are available through our VCCS online training partners such as Ed2Go, ProTrain, and UGotClass.
Do you have an e-newsletter that I can receive, for updates on your programs and services?
Yes, sign-up to join our e-news distribution list. Submit an email info@southside.edu
What is the Inclement Weather Policy?
Please visit the college website www.southside.edu in case of inclement weather for the latest updates. You can also view our Inclement Weather Policy or call the college switchboard at (434) 949- 1000.
Students may sign up for SVCC test alerts. Text “svccalert” to 888777.
NOTE: When the college is closed due to inclement weather, all workforce classes will automatically be cancelled regardless of location.
What is the college’s WF class cancelation policy?
Every effort will be made to offer advertised classes on the dates and times promoted but SVCC reserves the right to cancel or postpone any classes that do not have sufficient enrollment.
What are FastForward Credentials?
FastForward Credentials are an initiative for Virginia residents to: Create and sustain demand-driven supply of credentialed workers in high-demand occupations Expand the affordability of workforce training and credentialing; and Increase the interest of current and future Virginians in technically-skilled occupations.
What if I can’t afford to pay my portion of the cost?
If a student has a financial need and meets the requirements, additional financial assistance (FANTIC) may be available to pay a portion or all of the tuition for eligible FastForward programs. It’s as simple as coming by our office, completing an application, and providing documentation that can establish your financial need. It’s a simple process. The SVCC WF Center does not offer payment plans.
What programs are covered by FastForward at Southside Virginia Community College?
Certified Nurse Aide, Licensed Massage Therapist, Medication Aide, Phlebotomy, Core – Introduction to Craft Skills, Power Line Worker, Solar Photovoltaic System Installer, Welding and CNC Milling