"NextCareer" Job Skills Training Program (JSTP)

Tidewater Community College’s (TCC) “NextCareer” Job Skills Training Program (JSTP) empowers individuals who are in the middle or late stages of their careers to achieve family-sustaining wages and long-term employment by removing barriers to success and by providing reskilling and upskilling training opportunities and career navigation support to meet regional labor needs.

There is a growing labor shortage in the US, including the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. This is particularly true as the workforce ages and as outmigration of talent is a continuing issue. The Hampton Roads Workforce Council estimates that there are currently 10,000 local job openings, with that number increasing to 40,000 by 2030. Some industries, like the shipbuilding industry, which impacts the nation’s defense capabilities through the building of warships, suggest that production is several years behind schedule due to labor shortages. The US Navy indicates that warship production is at its lowest level in 25 years. In construction, the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) estimates Virginia will need nearly 270,000 craft professionals by 2026.

TCC’s NextCareer JSTP program provides the bridge between labor demand and a growing and unique population who can provide labor supply with the appropriate training and support.

TCC utilizes one of its long-standing, highly successful, and transformative platforms as a base for NextCareer. JSTP, which began in 1997, has been providing job training for underserved populations for the past 28 years.  Its original purpose was to provide opportunities for single parent mothers in non-traditional jobs for women. Later, the program added training for justice-involved youth, then transitioning military members. A new focus on middle- to late-career individuals is a natural progression for the tested platform.

JSTP’s holistic approach meets participants where they are, combining workforce training with wraparound services and equipping unique populations with essential occupational skills. Over 8-12 weeks, participants receive personalized instruction tailored to their needs. Participants are assessed using the Employee Assistance Program Inventory (EAPI). Then, throughout the program, participants have access to advisors, case managers, counselors, career coaches, and employment specialists. Course programming includes WorkKeys, a platform for career readiness certification, followed by hands-on, skill-based training from a choice of high demand, high wage occupation programs, yielding industry-recognized credentials. JSTP follows with career navigation and job placement services, utilizing its network of industry relationships and partnerships. Finally, JSTP offers continued access to counselors and case managers beyond the three-month program and an alumni network that provides ongoing support.

NextCareer JSTP enhances the lives of participants by providing access to career readiness programming and job skills training, creating increased opportunities for upward mobility. Outside of enhanced employability, a major outcome among program participants is an ability to understand themselves through our socio-psychological programs. Students become intimately aware of the impact of their personal lives on their work lives and vice-versa. This has profound benefits on their workplace performance and lifestyle. 

Over nearly three decades, JTSP has worked with the community that has become known as ALICE “Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.” We work predominantly with individuals from historically marginalized populations through programming designed to accommodate non-traditional learners. We have specialized programs that enable us to upskill/reskill justice-involved and reentry populations, youth, and active-duty military transition personnel, spouses, dependents, veterans, and retirees. JSTP can easily add additional transitioning populations, and with INSPIRE grant support, TCC can align these programs to support middle- to late-career individuals, ensuring they are prepared to contribute to the workforce for many years and meet the needs of their families. By offering technical skills, essential soft skills, and a comprehensive range of wraparound services, JSTP empowers non-traditional students to succeed in the program and secure employment. 

TCC is the second largest of 23 colleges in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) and the largest provider of higher education in Hampton Roads. With a 28-year program history and the division’s own industry/community Workforce Advisory Board, JSTP is well-positioned to provide professional, quality programs for NextCareer and to build upon a robust community network of collaborative partnerships. TCC’s tested, innovative approach to workforce training will use existing infrastructure and resources primarily and leverage established relationships with business, industry, social services, municipalities, local churches, food banks and community organizations to continue coalition-building efforts. INSPIRE funding will focus principally on funding participant tuition.

The training curriculum continues to be driven by employers committed to supporting JSTP and its participants, from providing employment that leads to self-sufficiency, to making monetary contributions towards student resources, to helping develop and refine curricula tailored to specific employer needs. For example, Sentara Healthcare, the largest hospital organization in Hampton Roads, donated[1]  a fully equipped, state-of-the-art Nurses’ Aide training lab to TCC’s Norfolk campus for use by JSTP participants. 

Aligned with JSTP’s holistic approach, participants receive comprehensive assessments, counseling, workforce readiness training, internship and career opportunities, as well as on-the-job follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months.  

NextCareer JSTP is in the growth stage of development, reflecting on the platform’s 28-year history of providing unique populations with workforce training, wraparound services, and essential occupational skills and the program’s long-standing commitment and ability to grow and adapt to meet emerging needs, such as expansion to middle- to late-career populations. Initially focused on supporting single-parent mothers, JSTP now serves a broader population, including young adults, veterans, justice-involved citizens, and underemployed citizens.

JSTP currently operates four cohorts per year with capacity in various industry sectors to continue expansion. To maintain quality and individualized attention, JSTP caps cohorts at 10 participants per occupational area. Mobile labs in nursing and welding allow us to extend services to a variety of geographic areas. Community feedback and program outcomes demonstrate a clear need to double course offerings.

JSTP’s tested and proven track record — 3,000 participants served, 90% completion rate, and 86% employment rate — validates the platform’s methodology and success. Even during COVID, JSTP sustained operations by integrating technology into training and support services.

With support from the INSPIRE grant, JSTP aims to expand course offerings to include NextCareer cohorts and engage middle- to late-career participants, ensuring continued growth and broader community impact.

Job Skills Training Program | Tidewater Community College

At the core of TCC’s NextCareer JSTP’s innovative approach is the recognition that workforce development must go beyond just technical skills. Prior to entering the program, participants complete the Employee Assistance Program Inventory (EAPI), which offers a social-psychological understanding of their individual needs. This comprehensive insight allows NextCareer JSTP to provide tailored support throughout the program. Participants receive career coaching and guidance from employment specialists, along with access to formal counseling and case management to address emotional and psychological barriers that could hinder their success. This support is complemented by career readiness programming, hands-on, skill-based training in a high demand, high wage field, with the goal of earning industry-recognized credentials. NextCareer JSTP also includes career navigation, job placement services, and ongoing post-program follow-up.

Through this holistic model, JSTP empowers participants to build resilience, enhance their coping skills, and make informed decisions, strengthening both their careers and their lives. Our innovation extends beyond program completion – alumni continue to have access to counseling and case management services, ensuring ongoing support as they navigate their careers and contribute to their families and communities. This person-centered approach sets JSTP apart as a truly transformative workforce development solution.

Our impact goals for JSTP focus on empowering participants to complete the program, secure stable employment, and achieve long-term career growth. We aim to equip individuals with the skills and support needed to thrive in the workforce.

Key Goals:

High Program Completion Rates: We target an 85% or higher completion rate, surpassing the national average. Our focus on emotional, psychological, and professional support ensures participants persist and succeed, reflecting personal and career growth.

Job Placement Success: We strive for over 80% of graduates to secure employment within three months of graduation, currently achieving an 86% placement rate. Our network of employer partners guarantees interviews and facilitates job placements, connecting participants with companies that value their skills.

Increased Wages: We aim for graduates to earn a living wage of $24/hour. Currently, wages range from $17-$22/hour. By offering technical training, soft skills development, and job placement support, we work to close the wage gap and promote financial stability for graduates and their families.

Measurement of Progress:

We track progress through quantitative metrics like completion rates, employment statistics, and wage growth. Regular check-ins assess participant satisfaction and the effectiveness of counseling and case management. Alumni surveys conducted 6-12 months post-graduation evaluate career progression and the ongoing impact of our services.

By focusing on completion, job placement, and wage growth, JSTP addresses immediate workforce needs while fostering long-term success for participants.

# Full time–3 (Kodi, Anthony, Maria)

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Tidewater Community College Workforce Solutions has been engaged in this work for over 20 years. Kodi Fleming, Associate Vice President for Workforce Solutions, joined the team in 2018. Anthony Fontes became the Program Coordinator in 2016. Mr. Fleming and Mr. Fontes work closely together to identify program partners and maintain the integrity of the JSTP program. 

Ensuring a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all team members involves several key strategies:

• Diverse Hiring Practices: We actively seek to attract a wide range of candidates by using inclusive job postings, partnering with diverse organizations, and implementing structured interviewing processes to minimize bias
• Inclusive Policies: We have policies in place that promote equity and inclusion, such as flexible work arrangements, parental leave, and accommodations for disabilities. These policies help to create a supportive environment for all employees
• Ongoing Training: We provide regular diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training for all employees. This training helps to raise awareness about unconscious biases and fosters a culture of respect and understanding
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): We support ERGs that allow employees to connect, share experiences, and advocate for their needs. These groups play a crucial role in building a sense of community and belonging .
• Mentorship and Career Development: We offer mentorship programs and career development opportunities to help all employees advance in their careers. This includes pairing mentors with mentees from underrepresented groups to provide guidance and support
• Regular Feedback and Accountability: We regularly assess our DEI efforts through surveys and feedback sessions. This helps us identify areas for improvement and hold ourselves accountable for creating an inclusive workplace
• Celebrating Diversity: We celebrate cultural events and diversity milestones to recognize and honor the diverse backgrounds of our team members. This helps to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment
• Participation in local associations, and work based networking organizations that support a diverse population of people, occupations, opportunities and experiences.

By implementing these strategies, we aim to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best.

The Job Skills Training Program (JSTP) operates on a holistic, community-driven business model that provides comprehensive workforce development services to underserved populations. Our primary beneficiaries include underemployed or unemployed individuals, justice-involved individuals, transitioning military personnel, single parents, and individuals from historically marginalized communities. JSTP’s core mission is to equip participants with the skills necessary to secure family-sustaining wages and long-term employment.

JSTP delivers value by providing tailored job skills training, career readiness support, and wraparound services, addressing both occupational and personal barriers to success. Key components include needs assessments, personalized learning plans, business communication, financial literacy, and career readiness certifications. Additionally, participants receive mental health counseling, case management, and continuous mentoring. These services are provided through partnerships with local employers, ensuring training aligns with current labor market needs.

Revenue is generated through grants, public funding, and contributions from employer partners who benefit from a pipeline of trained and motivated workers. This collaborative approach fosters shared investment in the program’s outcomes. Employers gain access to a skilled workforce while participants secure employment in industries like healthcare, culinary arts, and skilled trades.

By addressing both technical skills and personal development, JSTP creates lasting economic mobility, strengthening families and communities. This sustainable model ensures long-term impact through ongoing alumni engagement and continuous program improvement.

JSTP has established a robust, multi-faceted financial model that ensures long-term sustainability and program growth. Our primary funding sources include a 20+ year state grant that provides consistent financial backing, supplemented by tuition fees, federal and local grants, and private funding streams. This diversified approach allows us to remain resilient and adaptable, even as funding landscapes shift.

To further strengthen our financial sustainability, we have cultivated long-term partnerships with government agencies and local employers, who invest in our program to ensure a pipeline of skilled workers. Additionally, JSTP offers workforce development services on a contractual basis, securing service contracts that provide steady income while expanding our reach and impact.

Over the past two decades, our track record reflects fiscal responsibility and growth. We have successfully secured multiple grants from organizations committed to workforce development and reentry programs. Tuition from participants, often supplemented by scholarships or employer sponsorships, contributes to operational costs without creating undue financial burdens for our students.

Our success is evidenced by the program’s continuous expansion, serving more participants year after year and maintaining a high job placement rate. By consistently meeting grant benchmarks and reporting positive outcomes, we have strengthened relationships with funders, ensuring ongoing financial support. This proven model guarantees that JSTP remains financially sound while continuing to drive transformational change in the communities we serve.

JSTP is applying to the Truist Foundation Inspire Awards to expand and scale our holistic job skills training program, enhancing our capacity to serve more individuals from underprivileged and marginalized communities. Winning this award would provide vital resources to address key barriers such as expanding outreach, enhancing technological infrastructure, and increasing access to wraparound services like counseling and transportation assistance.

By collaborating with the Truist Foundation and MIT Solve, JSTP can leverage valuable networks, mentorship, and strategic partnerships that are crucial for long-term sustainability and innovation. Access to industry leaders and thought partners will help refine our curriculum, align with emerging workforce demands, and ensure our program remains relevant and effective.

Additionally, the Inspire Awards will enable us to strengthen employer partnerships and expand career pathways for participants, fostering economic mobility and generational wealth creation. The technical assistance and exposure that come with this opportunity will bolster our ability to track outcomes, refine data collection processes, and demonstrate measurable impact, which is vital for securing future funding.

While JSTP is financially sound, the Inspire Awards will accelerate our growth, helping to scale our services across broader regions and reach more underserved populations. This collaboration aligns with our mission to empower individuals to achieve sustainable employment and create lasting change in their communities. The support from Truist and MIT Solve will be a transformative step in realizing our vision of equitable workforce development for all.