General

CCWA

Reynolds Community College
08 December 2021

Network2Work = Job Ready

For several years CJ worked in marketing and billing in the Richmond area. When the pandemic took her job, she decided it was time to look for other, more solid employment opportunities.

She had always been interested in the medical field, but wasn't drawn to patient care. While exploring her options she found CCWA's Medical Coding class, and it seemed like a good fit - especially since as a Virginia resident, her tuition would be covered, two-thirds through a FastForward grant, and the rest through another training grant.

CJ took advantage of the program and enrolled in CCWA's online Coding class. While in class, she connected with a CCWA Career Coach who helped her develop a resume, practice for interviews, and research careers in Medical Coding.

CJ finished her class and immediately joined a study group to prepare for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential exam. Within months she passed her exam and earned her CPC credential.

But CJ's Career Coach didn't leave her there. Her Coach continued to work with CJ, getting her enrolled in the new Network2Work job search platform and helping her identify potential employers. By completing her coding course, earning her CPC credential, and being in the N2W network, CJ's status became "Job Ready" - exactly what employers are looking for.

CJ then chose a job track for a Patient Access Representative position with Bon Secours. She submitted her resume, and her "Job Ready" status drew the attention of the Bon Secours hiring manager. Two interviews later, CJ accepted the Patient Access Representative position.

CCWA is opening doors for hundreds of Virginians through programs like N2W.

What is Network2Work?

Network2WorkRVA connects skilled job seekers with employers looking to fill vital roles within their company. The program helps potential employees find a job that pays a living wage and leads to a fulfilling career. The N2W "connection" involves training, support and resources that put Virginians on a path to success.

"As the name implies," said Mary Jo Washko, Director of Coaching and Career Services for CCWA, "Network2Work (N2W) is a technology-based networking platform designed to connect job seekers to the training and support resources needed to be 'job ready' for the opportunities listed in our employer network."

A little history: When Reynolds Middle College moved to CCWA it became CareerStart. The program was then further transformed into CCWA's Coaching and Career Services department.

"In addition to becoming coaching services," Mary Jo explained, "we also took on a new initiative called Network2Work. We no longer offer GED services, but through Network2Work, we connect students to GED providers and more than 150 other services in the community through our 35+ provider network."

The program had a soft launch in June 2021, but is now available for students and the general public. For more information visit the N2W site.