Community College Workforce Alliance

What Community College Workforce Alliance does

Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) is the workforce development division of Brightpoint and Reynolds Community Colleges in the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), operating as a non-profit, government-supported training organization serving the Greater Richmond region. CCWA delivers industry-recognized certification programs across nine primary verticals — healthcare, information technology, manufacturing (including pharmaceutical manufacturing), skilled trades, logistics, commercial driving, business/management, teacher licensure (EducateVA), and adult education — to two principal customer groups: individual job seekers and career changers, and Virginia businesses, state agencies, and non-profits (more than 1,100 organizations served). Programs are delivered in-person at the Reynolds Downtown Campus (including a dedicated Nurse Aide Lab approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing) and the Brightpoint Chester Campus, supplemented by virtual instructor-led sessions, hybrid formats, and self-paced online courses.

The core technology stack is conventional LMS infrastructure: Canvas (VCCS-wide LMS) for course content delivery and self-paced orientations, Augusoft for online registration and catalog management, LearnPoint for child care provider training, and VDOT University for transportation certification credentials. CCWA does not operate a proprietary technology platform; instead, its competitive position rests on its position inside the VCCS, its portfolio of accredited and stackable credentials (NHA, AAPC, NCCER, PTCB, NAED, PMI, AWS, CompTIA, MT1, VDOT), and its access to Virginia's FastForward and G3 Initiative funding that subsidizes or fully covers tuition for qualifying residents.

CCWA's revenue mechanics are a hybrid of public appropriations and earned revenue: Virginia state workforce development appropriations and VCCS allocations, competitive federal and state grants (notably the $3.9M Good Jobs Challenge to Reynolds CC and CCWA's role in the $111M Alliance for Building Better Medicine), subsidized tuition via FastForward (two-thirds coverage) and G3 (full scholarship) for individual learners, and quote-based custom training contracts for businesses and government clients. State agencies can procure via inter-agency agreements without a formal RFP. Pricing for unsubsidized courses ranges from roughly $400 for short certifications to $6,000 for CDL Class A, while most qualifying learners pay little to nothing out of pocket. Distribution runs through the Augusoft self-service portal, phone and in-person registration at three locations, mail/fax for traditional registrants, on-site delivery for enterprise clients, and emerging online channels.

Name

Community College Workforce Alliance

Legal name

Community College Workforce Alliance

Website

https://ccwatraining.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) is the workforce development division of Brightpoint and Reynolds Community Colleges in Virginia, delivering subsidized certification training in healthcare, IT, manufacturing, skilled trades, CDL, and logistics to job seekers and over 1,100 businesses and agencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Training

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Junior Colleges (61121)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Workforce Development & Continuing Education Divisions (Noncredit) (EDAHADAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Community Colleges (Applied/CTE-Focused) (EDAHADAD), Rural/Regional Community Colleges (EDAHADAK), Comprehensive Community Colleges (Transfer + Workforce) (EDAHADAE)

Keywords

• Workforce development training
• Career certification programs
• Apprenticeship training
• Custom corporate training
• Adult education services

Headquarters

HQ city

Midlothian

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government-Funded Workforce Training: As the workforce development division of Reynolds and Brightpoint Community Colleges, CCWA is primarily funded through Virginia state workforce development appropriations, community college system allocations, and competitive grants including the Good Jobs Challenge ($3.9M to Reynolds CC) and Build Back Better Regional Challenge ($52.9M to the Alliance for Building Better Medicine).
2. Course Tuition and Fees: CCWA charges tuition for certification courses, though the majority of costs are subsidized through FastForward grants (covering 2/3 of tuition for eligible Virginia residents), G3 Initiative scholarships (covering tuition, fees, and books for low-to-middle income families), and other grant programs. Many programs are available at little to no cost for qualifying individuals. Businesses pay for custom training programs at rates negotiated per engagement.
3. Custom Business Training Contracts: CCWA generates revenue through custom-designed training contracts with businesses, government agencies, and non-profits. These engagements are priced per organization and delivered on-site or at CCWA facilities, with state agencies able to use inter-agency agreements for simplified procurement.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) is the workforce development division of Brightpoint and Reynolds Community Colleges in Virginia, delivering short-term career certification training, apprenticeship programs, career coaching, and customized corporate training. It serves both individual job seekers seeking credentials for in-demand careers and businesses/employers needing customized workforce solutions across industries including healthcare, IT, manufacturing, skilled trades, logistics, and business.

Product overview

Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA) is the workforce development division of Brightpoint and Reynolds Community Colleges, offering a comprehensive portfolio of training programs, certifications, and workforce development services. The core offerings include FastForward career credentials (covering two-thirds tuition for qualifying Virginia residents) and the G3 Initiative scholarship program. CCWA provides career pathways across multiple industries including Healthcare (Clinical Medical Assistant, Nurse Aide, Phlebotomy, Pharmacy, EKG, Medical Coding/Billing), Information Technology (AWS, CompTIA, Python), Manufacturing (MT1, Manufacturing Specialist, Pharmaceutical Manufacturing), Skilled Trades (NCCER electrical, HVAC, plumbing, heavy equipment), Logistics (CLA, CLT), Business Management (Project Management, Customer Service), and CDL training. The organization also offers self-paced online professional development courses, custom training for businesses, consulting services, adult education, and career coaching. Programs are designed to be stackable, affordable (often free or reduced cost through grants), and aligned with regional employer demand, particularly supporting Virginia's pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem through the Alliance for Building Better Medicine.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Healthcare Training Programs Training programs preparing students for healthcare careers including Nurse Aide, Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Medical Assistant, and other clinical roles. Designed for individuals seeking entry into the healthcare field and healthcare employers seeking skilled workers.
• Nurse Aide Training Program Accelerated Nurse Aide certification program preparing students for Virginia state certification and employment in long-term care and hospital settings. Targeted at job seekers and incumbent workers.
• Pharmacy Technician Program Pharmacy Technician training preparing students for pharmacy technician roles in retail and clinical pharmacy settings. Designed for individuals seeking a healthcare credential.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician Program Training program preparing students for technician roles in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, with a focus on supporting the region's biotech and pharma manufacturing industry cluster.
• Information Technology Training Programs IT certification programs covering CompTIA A+, Project Management Professional (PMP) prep, and other technology credentials. Designed for individuals entering IT or advancing existing IT careers.
• CompTIA A+ Certification Course Entry-level IT certification training preparing students for CompTIA A+ credential and IT support roles. Targeted at job seekers entering IT careers.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Prep Course Project Management Professional exam preparation course for working professionals seeking PMP certification. Targeted at mid-career professionals pursuing project management roles.
• Manufacturing Certification Programs Manufacturing training programs covering production, industrial, and certified production technician skills. Designed for job seekers and incumbent manufacturing workers.
• Skilled Trades Training Programs Skilled trades training programs covering electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, and construction trades, including apprenticeship pathways. Targeted at job seekers entering skilled trades and apprentices.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Training CDL Class A tractor-tra driver training program preparing students for commercial driving careers. Targeted at individuals seeking transportation industry employment.
• Logistics Certification Programs Logistics training programs covering supply chain, warehouse, and distribution operations. Targeted at job seekers entering logistics careers and incumbent logistics workers.
• Business & Management Programs Business and management training programs covering project management, supervision, leadership, and administrative skills. Targeted at working professionals and career changers.
• VDOT Materials & Inspector Certification Series Certification series for construction industry professionals working on Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) projects, covering materials testing and inspection standards. Targeted at construction industry professionals.
• Custom Training Solutions for Businesses Bespoke workforce training programs designed and delivered for individual employers, including customized curriculum, on-site delivery, and consulting on training needs assessments. Targeted at businesses and organizations seeking workforce upskilling.
• Career Coaching and Career Services Career coaching, advising, and job placement support services for individuals pursuing training and career transitions. Targeted at job seekers and career changers.
• Adult Education Program Adult basic education, GED test preparation, and English language learning classes for adult learners. Targeted at adults seeking to complete high school equivalency or improve English literacy.
• Self-Paced Online Courses Self-paced online course offerings delivered through the Canvas learning management system, allowing flexible completion of workforce training content. Targeted at working adults and remote learners.
• EducateVA Teacher Licensure Program Career switching program for adults moving into K-12 teaching careers, providing training and licensure support to address teacher shortages. Targeted at career changers pursuing teaching careers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 93%+ completion rate for FastForward participants
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, major, core and minor.

• Virginia Community College System (VCCS)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025The $3.9 million Good Jobs Challenge grant was awarded to Reynolds Community College (CCWA's parent institution) by the U.S. Economic Development Administration. CCWA serves as lead for the 60-member Workforce Partners Team dedicated to building talent pipelines in biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing. The grant created a new regional Director position at CCWA focused on this intermediary work.
• Virginia Department of Education (VDOE)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2025Dr. Cynthia Finley, CCWA's new Director of Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Intermediary, previously held leadership roles in workforce, adult education, and credentialing programs within the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), bringing expertise from VDOE to strengthen CCWA's biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing programming.
• Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) / Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023CCWA developed the FastForward Pharmaceutical Manufacturing credential in partnership with the Virginia Manufacturers' Association through its Manufacturing Skills Institute (MSI). MSI developed the curriculum, while CCWA delivers the training. Local pharmaceutical companies Civica and AMPAC Fine Chemicals provided technical advice and fiscal support in developing and testing the PharmaMT credential. MSI's Dr. Victor Gray noted the certifications are portable and stackable industry credentials.
• CivicacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023Civica partnered with CCWA to develop the FastForward Pharmaceutical Manufacturing credential, providing technical advice and fiscal support in developing and testing the new PharmaMT credential. As a major pharmaceutical manufacturer moving into the region, Civica represents a key employer partner for CCWA's pharmaceutical manufacturing graduates.
• AMPAC Fine ChemicalscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2023AMPAC Fine Chemicals partnered with CCWA to develop the FastForward Pharmaceutical Manufacturing credential, providing technical advice and fiscal support in developing and testing the new PharmaMT credential. AMPAC represents a key employer partner for CCWA's pharmaceutical manufacturing graduates in the region.
• Alliance for Building Better MedicineflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2022CCWA is a key partner in the Alliance for Building Better Medicine in the Richmond-Petersburg region. The Alliance secured $111 million (including a $52.9 million Build Back Better Regional Challenge grant) to strengthen the region's pharmaceutical manufacturing cluster and create thousands of good-paying jobs. CCWA serves on key committees and is leading workforce development initiatives within the alliance.
• Reynolds Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCWA is the official workforce development division of Reynolds Community College and Brightpoint Community College. As a joint initiative, CCWA leverages the resources, facilities, faculty, and accreditation of both colleges to deliver workforce training programs across the Greater Richmond region. This partnership enables CCWA to award college credits, CEUs, and industry-recognized credentials.
• Brightpoint Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCWA is the official workforce development division of Reynolds Community College and Brightpoint Community College. As a joint initiative, CCWA leverages the resources, facilities, faculty, and accreditation of both colleges to deliver workforce training programs across the Greater Richmond region. This partnership enables CCWA to award college credits, CEUs, and industry-recognized credentials.
• Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IECC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCWA partnered with IECC to offer a fully accredited, Year 1 Electrical Apprenticeship program in renovated trades labs at the Downtown Campus of Reynolds Community College. The hybrid program meets virtually on Monday evenings and in-person on Wednesday evenings, leading to a journey worker's electrician's license. The partnership also includes IECC Level 2 and Level 3 classes for advancing electricians.
• Bremo Pharmacy Training CentercoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCCWA's Pharmacy Technician program is offered in partnership with the Bremo Pharmacy Training Center. The 170-hour program combines online didactic learning, in-person practice simulation at the Bremo Pharmacy location, and supervised internships in real pharmacy settings. Bremo Pharmacy meets Virginia Board of Pharmacy requirements and is PTCB recognized.
• Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCWA and VDOT have a formal collaboration for certification training. CCWA provides VDOT-certified courses including inspector series and materials certification programs. Instruction complies with VDOT procedures and specifications, and accreditations are provided by VDOT. Eligible Virginia residents receive a 66% discount on inspector courses through the FastForward program.
• Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVEDP is a member of the Alliance for Building Better Medicine and contributed to the development of CCWA's pharmaceutical manufacturing program. VEDP's support was instrumental in establishing the region's pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem and attracting companies like Civica and AMPAC to the area.
• Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) HealthminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVCU Health serves as a clinical site location for CCWA's Nurse Aide program, providing hands-on clinical training experience for students in real healthcare settings as part of their certification requirements.
• National Healthcareer Association (NHA)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCCWA partners with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) for certification exams in several healthcare programs. Students in EKG Technician and Clinical Medical Assistant programs are prepared to sit for NHA certification exams (CET and CCMA respectively), which are included in tuition. Certifications are valid for 2 years and require CEU credits for recertification.
• American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCCWA partners with the AAPC for Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Professional Biller (CPB) certification programs. Students receive AAPC membership, certification exam attempts, and exam proctoring through Meazure Learning Testing Center (in-person or Live Remote Proctor).
• National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCCWA offers NCCER certification courses in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and heavy equipment operations. NCCER is the credentialing body for the standardized curricula that introduces basic skills for industrial employment including hand tools, power tools, construction drawings, communication skills, safety, and employability skills.
• Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCCWA's Pharmacy Technician program is PTCB-recognized and meets Virginia Board of Pharmacy requirements for registration as a pharmacy technician trainee. The comprehensive 170-hour program prepares students to sit for the PTCB exam.
• National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCCWA's Emergency Telecommunicator Certification (ETC) program awards certification through the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED). The 40-hour program trains individuals in emergency dispatching, and certification is valid for 2 years upon passing with a score of 80%.
• Brightpoint Community College's Project Management ProgramminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCWA announced a new partnership with Brightpoint Community College's Project Management program, creating a pathway for students enrolled in Brightpoint's program to advance their skills through CCWA's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) course, preparing them for PMI certification.
• Project Management Institute (PMI)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCCWA's CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management) course prepares participants for the Project Management Institute (PMI) certification exam, a valuable credential recognized across industries for project management professionals.
• Light BrigademinorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCCWA's Fiber Optics Installer program awards a series of 3 credentials from Light Brigade upon completion. The program covers basics of fiber and transmission theory, various cables and connectors, splicing, and installation. All materials and exam are included.
• Standard Motor ProductsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCWA partnered with Standard Motor Products and Prince George High School to develop and run a high school after-school logistics bootcamp. This partnership earned Prince George High School the 2020 VSBA Excellence in Workforce Readiness Award and demonstrated CCWA's ability to serve the K-12 to workforce pipeline.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Guild Education: Workforce education platform that partners with employers and education providers to deliver tuition-funded upskilling to working adults. Comparable in connecting employer tuition assistance with credential-bearing programs, but operates as a marketplace platform rather than a direct training provider.
• Year Up: National nonprofit providing workforce training, internships, and job placement for young adults, with strong employer partnerships (over 250 companies). Comparable in serving low-to-middle-income job seekers with subsidized training, but private non-profit with national reach rather than state-funded community college division.
• Per Scholas: National nonprofit offering tuition-free tech workforce training (IT support, cybersecurity, software engineering) to adults from low-income communities. Comparable in providing subsidized, employer-aligned credentials and job placement, but focused exclusively on IT rather than CCWA's broader vertical mix.
• NPower: National nonprofit providing free IT workforce training and job placement to veterans and young adults from underserved communities. Comparable mission (subsidized training, employer placement, stackable IT credentials), but narrower IT focus vs CCWA's multi-vertical portfolio.

Regional players

• Apprenticeship Carolina: South Carolina statewide apprenticeship intermediary that expands apprenticeship programs and helps employers launch earn-while-you-learn pathways. Comparable in registered apprenticeship expansion (IECC partnership model) and state-level employer engagement, but operates as a state intermediary rather than a direct training division.

Broad incumbents

• Workforce Solutions (Texas Workforce Commission): Texas's statewide publicly funded workforce development network that contracts training providers, manages employer partnerships, and operates career centers. Directly comparable to CCWA in mission and state-funded business model, but at vastly greater scale and broader geographic reach.

Direct peers

• Pima Community College Workforce Development: Workforce development arm of Pima Community College in Arizona. Delivers short-term credentialed training, employer partnerships, and apprenticeship-style programs across healthcare, trades, and IT — analogous community-college workforce model.
• Ivy Tech Community College Workforce & Economic Development: Indiana's statewide community college system's workforce development arm. Offers short-term credentialed training, employer-customized programs, and career coaching for in-demand industries — the same core model as CCWA, but scaled across an entire state system.
• Northern Virginia Community College Workforce Development: The NOVA Workforce Development division of a Virginia community college (NOVA is part of VCCS, same system as CCWA). Comparable in mission, programs, and reliance on FastForward/G3 funding, but serves the Northern Virginia metro rather than the Richmond region.
• Dallas College Workforce & Continuing Education: The workforce and continuing education division of Dallas College, a Texas community college. Delivers similar healthcare, IT, skilled trades, manufacturing, and CDL training with employer-customized programs — a structurally identical community-college-based workforce model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-college-workforce-alliance

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community College Workforce Alliance