The “New Collar” work trend is changing employment opportunities… and FCPS ACE is a “New Collar” leader

The “New Collar” work trend is changing employment opportunities…
and FCPS ACE is a “New Collar” leader

Fairfax, VA – July 18, 2024 – “New Collar” work, with jobs requiring highly skilled and trained employees in the trades, technology, medical and engineering fields, is rapidly changing the face of the US labor market to the benefit of employees, employers, and the economy. With salaries in the top half of the wage scale but not requiring a college degree, demand for training and education is skyrocketing as students learn that high-demand careers are available without the crippling debt and lengthy school commitment required of most 4-year degrees. Societal, workforce demands, employer needs and technological advancements all have contributed to a rapid change in how people and organizations view and pursue job opportunities and hiring. Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Adult and Community Education (ACE), the leading provider of flexible and affordable training for workforce development, has announced additional offerings and solutions to its workforce programs and classes to meet the needs of its students and the “New Collar” workforce and local employers. As featured in a recent CNBC article, FCPS ACE is focused on “New Collar” workforce development.

To continue to meet this high demand FCPS ACE announced several new initiatives today:

Launching over 250 “New Collar” Workforce Development options for the trades, construction, IT and medical education and training. This includes both Online Anytime courses and in-person training courses addressing workforce development and skills-based programs. Offerings are tailored to the needs of the students and can be taken online, in person or hybrid and are open to all with no prerequisites or long-term commitments. Individual courses are as low as $169.
FCPS ACE also offers, through its Foundation, scholarships that reduce costs to students and their employers, available for students pursuing trades such as Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, etc.
FCPS ACE will also offer over 30 license and certification options for trades, medical and IT, including some of the most highly sought-after IT certifications.
FCPS ACE will also offer a “Partners” program to employers where their employees can receive training, education and certification that employers require – thus reducing training time and increasing worker productivity and value. This program has been accessed by 100s of local firms in Fairfax County.

Paul Steiner, Head Administrator for FCPS ACE, said “As students look for a more direct path to the workforce, there’s a shift toward shorter-term programs that FCPS ACE offers. Our Partners are putting more emphasis and value on skills and experiences, rather than a 4-year degree. While estimates vary, the cost of an apprenticeship program at FCPS ACE can save students and employers as much as $200K as opposed to a 4-year degree, especially when scholarships like the FCPS ACE Foundation Scholarships are factored in.”

FCPS ACE Electrical Trades Instructor, Anthony Glasgow, himself an FCPS ACE graduate who received his license, journeyman certification and is now a major Project Manager, stresses the opportunities and needs to his students, “Regardless of background, work status, life experience, age or demographic, FCPS ACE accepts and trains all types of different people for skilled trades. The opportunities are significant and growing every day for high-demand positions or even starting your own business, as several of my students have done.”

FCPS ACE provides more options than ever for people, at almost any age, to change their careers or pursue education how they want. FCPS ACE offers a wide variety of courses with no barriers to entry with in-person, online and self-paced options, fulfilling its mission of “FCPS ACE is for You.”

About FCPS ACE

The Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Adult and Community Education program (ACE) is the leading provider of flexible, affordable, outcome-oriented classes to promote learning at any stage in life. We offer more than 3,000 courses in a wide range of subjects that empower students of all ages and backgrounds to explore options for after high school graduation, gain valuable technical training, advance their careers with relevant skills, or enhance their lives with a range of personal interest classes. Our students and their success are what drive FCPS ACE. With more than 60 years of history and a deep connection to the local community, FCPS ACE is for you. For more information, visit www.aceclasses.fcps.edu and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X.