No $$ for college? Manassas offers free courses, help with job placement in partnership with NOVA

If you want a good local job and need some college or specialized training to get ahead, you may be interested in a new “Grow Manassas” program between the City of Manassas and Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).

The city’s economic development officials say “Grow Manassas” will provide “free technical training and professional certifications to city residents”  in partnership with NOVA’s Workforce, Fast-Forward, and Applied Technology programs.

“Our innovative program raises awareness about the advantages of skills training and eliminates cost as a barrier to getting it,” said Patrick Small, the city’s Economic Development Director. “We have high-tech, high-wage jobs open with world-class employers in our community that don’t require college degrees,” he added. “We want our residents to get our jobs and are investing local resources to make that happen.”

The new program is designed for city residents to take classes and receive certifications for local careers in information technology, healthcare, business, engineering, and in skilled occupations such as automotive repair, heavy equipment operations, welding, HVAC, construction, etc.

According to the city’s news release, skill sets for these occupations “are desperately sought after” by “major employers” in Manassas including Micron, Leidos, BAE Systems, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, UVA Health, and others.

Participants are only required to certify that they meet the following criteria:  Virginia resident fir the past 12 months and a City of Manassas resident living in the 20110 zip code.
No length of time was stated in the news release for being a city resident. Some programs may require completion of High School/GED, college, or equivalent. There is also a free program that helps residents get a GED if needed.

“We are thrilled that this partnership will give our City of Manassas residents a remarkable opportunity for access to a brighter future through education without a tuition bill,” said Molly Lynch, provost of NOVA’s Manassas Campus. “We look forward to welcoming new and returning students who desire to gain skills for a new career or to advance in their current career.”

For more information about program options, to confirm eligibility, and to receive application instructions go to https://www.nvcc.edu/growmanassas Quest.ions about the program may also be directed to NOVA Workforce at 703.503.6300 and .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

To reach Patrick J. Small, CEcD, director uf City of Manassas Department of Economic Development, email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)