(Oakton, Va., October 10, 2014) Northern Virginia’s workforce is about to welcome 43 capable and motivated entry-level administrative support staff, thanks to NVFS’ Training Futures program. The comprehensive, six-month workforce development program will celebrate Training Futures Cycle 24 graduation on Thursday, Oct. 16, 8:30-10 a.m., at the Gannett/USA Today corporate headquarters in McLean.
After a networking session, the formal program will begin at 9 a.m. John-Patrick Pantoja, an alumnus of the Manassas Training Futures program, will serve as guest host. Pantoja is currently employed with FIDO Personnel/INOVA Hospital as a staffing personnel representative and administrative assistant. The program also will feature two graduates who will share their journey through Training Futures. Additionally, an organization will be recognized with a Community Leadership Award.
Lidia Ventura, a Training Futures Cycle 24 graduate, embodies the true spirit of the program. Ventura doubled up on studying while she was at Training Futures, taking classes at both Northern Virginia Community College (a component of the Training Futures curriculum), and working to obtain her GED. This single mom still managed to work full-time to provide for her child while still preforming well in the program. She has already obtained full-time employment with the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia as an executive assistant.
“People come to us from all different backgrounds and points in their lives for one reason: they want a better future for themselves and their families. Training Futures makes that possible through teaching marketable job skills and an exciting co-enrollment partnership with Northern Virginia Community College,” says Julie Mullen, program director*. “It is so inspiring to watch how their dedication to learning and growth bonds the trainees, and at the end they are a family who have earned college credits, learned marketable job skills and celebrate each other when they achieve their dreams of professional, office jobs.”
Established in 1996, Training Futures has prepared more than 1,800 individuals for new, meaningful careers, often lifting families above the poverty line. The six-month job training program is held in a simulated office environment, with curriculum comprised of accredited courses: computer business applications (Microsoft Office Suite 2013), business and professional communications, records management, office administration, organizational behavior and medical terminology. Non-credit courses are also offered: business math and English, 10-key calculator and keyboarding. Training Futures also offers weekly professional development workshops, an adaptation of Toastmasters and internship opportunities for trainees. Resume writing, interviewing and business etiquette assistance is also provided during the trainees’ job search. The program opened a second site in Manassas in 2013. More than 80 percent of graduates have secured full-time employment in an office environment.
Event Details
Location: Gannett/USA Today Headquarters, First Amendment Dining Room
Schedule: 8:30 Networking and Continental Breakfast
9:00 Formal Program
If you are a member of the media and would like to attend, please RSVP with LaToya Ransom at (571) 748-2863.
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*Julie Mullen is now NVFS’ director of workforce development.