Skip to main content
Q:  What is the Workforce department?
A:  Germanna’s Center for Workforce and Community Education provides non-credit career training and credential programs and services for individuals seeking career training and advancement as well as for employers or businesses who need training or custom services to grow their staff and business. We work closely with business and industry and offer programs and services including open enrollment classes, customized training classes, apprenticeship programs, consulting services for businesses, pre-employment skills assessments, career coaching for adults, and facility rentals for outside organizations.  Programs and services are led by experts in the field and provide quick, convenient and quality solutions to meet the community’s needs.
 
Q:  What is the difference between Workforce noncredit programs and academic degree programs?
A:  Workforce noncredit courses are typically short-term classes that are offered to gain skillsets in a specific subject, help students learn a new skill, or help them to upgrade an existing skill or personal interest.  Many classes are just one-to-three days in length, to three-to-four months in length.  They are practical, “nuts and bolts” type of classes.  Examples include CompTIA A+ Certification, Project Management, Grant Writing, Leadership and Team Building, Clinical Medical Assistant, Industrial Maintenance Technician, and CDL Truck Driver.  Credit courses are generally longer, often and bear academic credit leading toward an academic degree or certificate program that would have the potential ability to transfer to four-year institutions.  Credit classes may also be eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Noncredit courses may qualify for FastFoward scholarships.
 
Q: How do I know whether I should register for a noncredit Workforce class, or pursue an academic college-credit bearing program? 
A:  If you are clear about your career path, and confident about the next steps toward your educational goal, you may simply decide for yourself, and go ahead and pursue enrollment in the noncredit or credit program that meets your goals.  If however, you are unsure, we recommend you contact the college’s Welcome Center or call (540) 891-3000 for additional guidance on academic programs.
 
Q:  How do I register for Workforce classes, and what forms of payment are accepted?
A:  You have several registration and payment options.  SPECIAL NOTES:  (1) Your Workforce class registration is not complete until your tuition has been paid and processed. (2) Some noncredit Workforce classes require an application process before students are admitted and eligible for registration.  (3) Some Workforce classes have prerequisites; see class descriptions for details.

Register ONLINE:  Please use our online registration system!  Go to the Sign-In page to create your new student profile, or to login if you are a returning student. This page provides you with secure and convenient access and service, 24/7.  You’ll set up your own personal online account, accessible anytime.  New classes are continually added to the schedule, so you are encouraged to visit the website regularly to view the most updated list of offerings.  

Register IN PERSON:  8:00AM-5:30PM, Monday – Thursday by coming to any of our campuses.  Full payment is due at time of registration.  Credit card payments must be done online at germanna.augusoft.net.
 
Q:  What is the Class Refund Policy?
A:  REFUND POLICY FOR NON-CREDIT CLASSES – Once registered for a class, participants have reserved a space that obligates them to pay the advertised tuition/fees.  For classroom courses offered by Germanna, students may request course transfers or withdrawals seven or more calendar days prior to the start of class. No refunds, course transfers or withdrawals may be made fewer than seven days prior to the start of class. This policy also applies to same course transfers. Employers who are providing tuition for their employees are also reserving space and are obligated for course tuition/fees. Employee substitutions may be made with prior notification to the Germanna. Please contact Germanna at (540) 891-3000 between the hours of 8:00AM – 5:30PM Monday through Thursday for any registration changes.  *NOTE: Some specialty classes, and those offered through third-party partners may have refund deadlines 14 days or more, prior to class start date

Q:  Is there financial aid available for Germanna classes? And what is the process for accessing these funds?
A:  Based on availability of funds, state grant funding may be available for VA-domiciled residents, to help offset the tuition cost of FastForward credentialing programs.  FastForward training programs provide intensive training and prepare students to obtain industry credentials in high-demand occupations.  Examples of FastForward credentials include CDL, A+, Asphalt Technology, and Core Craft Skills and several Apprenticeship classes, among others.  The industry credentials earned lead to entry level jobs in the students’ chosen career pathway.  For more information about grant funding and credentials, please visit our Financial Assistance page, contact us by phone at (540) 891-3000.

Q:  Can Germanna provide a class designed just for my company?
A:  Yes. All classes listed in our schedule can be customized and delivered “On-Demand” for your business or organization. You are not limited to classes listed in the current open enrollment schedule; if you do not see a particular topic you need, contact us and we will develop your training course.  Our faculty are vetted subject matter experts with significant business experience in their fields.  Please call (540) 891-3000 for more information. 

Q:  What is the Inclement Weather Policy? How do I know if my class is cancelled due to bad weather?
A:  Please visit the college website at www.germanna.edu in case of inclement weather for the latest updates.  You can also call the college’s Fredericksburg switchboard at (540) 891-3000.  Students enrolled in courses that meet over an extended period of time may choose sign-up for the “e2campus,” GCC's email and text alert system.  Visit Germanna's e2campus online for more information.  e2Ccampus registration enables students to receive alerts and text messages on their cell phones.  NOTE:  When the college is closed due to inclement weather, workforce classes will be automatically cancelled.  Also, regardless of college decisions to stay open or to close due to bad weather, students should never jeopardize their safety; if you do not feel safe travelling to class, do not attempt to come to class.