Training Archives - VersAbility Resources

Five Signs a Forklift Certification Could Change Your Career Path

Posted on March 9, 2026April 1, 2026 by Abby S

Choosing the right career path does not always require a four-year degree or years of classroom study. For many individuals, especially those seeking practical skills and faster access to employment opportunities, workforce certifications can open meaningful doors.

Forklift certification is one of the most accessible ways to build in-demand skills while creating opportunities for long-term career growth.

If you are considering your next step, here are five signs that earning a forklift certification could help change your career trajectory.

1. You’re Stuck in an Entry-Level Role

If your current job feels like it offers limited growth or advancement, it may be time to add a new skill to your résumé. Forklift certification can help individuals move beyond entry-level positions into higher-paying roles within warehouses, logistics operations, and manufacturing facilities.

These industries often provide clear advancement pathways, allowing employees to grow into supervisory, training or specialized equipment roles over time. A certification can serve as the first step toward a more sustainable career.

2. You Want Better Pay Without a Four-Year Degree

There are plenty of rewarding careers available that do not require college debt. Forklift operators are in high demand across distribution centers, ports and industrial facilities, where employers value practical skills and verified training.

Certification demonstrates job readiness and safety knowledge, helping candidates stand out to employers while increasing earning potential, often within a short timeframe.

3. You’re Interested in Hands-On, Skill-Based Work

Some people thrive in active environments where they can see the results of their work each day. If sitting behind a desk is not appealing, operating equipment may be a better fit.

Forklift operation combines technical skill, coordination and problem-solving in fast-paced workplaces that keep essential goods moving. For individuals who enjoy practical, hands-on work, certification can align career opportunities with personal strengths.

4. You’re Looking for Job Stability

Industries such as supply chain logistics, distribution, and advanced manufacturing continue to expand nationwide. Certified forklift operators play a critical role in these sectors, ensuring materials and products move safely and efficiently.

Because these skills are needed across many industries — from retail distribution to construction and food production — certification provides a transferable credential that supports long-term job stability.

5. You Want a Fast Track to Workforce Credentials

Unlike traditional degree programs, forklift certification can often be completed in days rather than months or years. Participants gain practical training along with a recognized credential that employers immediately understand and value.

This fast-track approach allows individuals to quickly build confidence, demonstrate workplace readiness, and begin pursuing new employment opportunities sooner.

Building Pathways to Opportunity

The workforce training programs offered by VersAbility TECH, a division of VersAbility Resources, are designed to help individuals of all abilities develop skills that lead to meaningful employment and greater independence.

Certifications like forklift training provide a practical starting point for individuals exploring new career possibilities or seeking a stronger financial future.

Whether entering the workforce for the first time, changing careers or building new skills, the right training can create lasting momentum toward success.

Click here to learn more about VersAbility TECH’s workforce training opportunities and discover how certification programs can help open doors to high-demand careers for all abilities.

A Workforce Moment for Hampton Roads

Posted on March 9, 2026March 9, 2026 by Abby S

Hampton Roads, where VersAbility Resources calls its homebase, is experiencing a defining moment of economic momentum.

Across the region, advanced manufacturing is expanding. Shipbuilding demand continues to rise. Logistics and port operations are scaling to meet global supply chain needs. Investments tied to offshore wind and emerging energy technologies are reshaping the future of work along Virginia’s coast.

Simply put, Hampton Roads is attracting projects, investment, and global attention.

For that momentum to continue, however, the region’s talent pipeline must grow alongside it.

Companies are ready to hire and expand. What they need now are skilled workers prepared to step confidently into critical roles.

That is the regional need VersAbility TECH was designed to meet.

Training Built Around Real Jobs

VersAbility TECH, a division of VersAbility Resources, is a workforce training initiative designed to prepare individuals of all abilities for high-demand careers through hands-on, industry-aligned credential programs.

Participants gain practical experience and recognized certifications in areas such as forklift operation and material handling, welding and manufacturing, technology career pathways, and workplace safety and readiness.

The goal is straightforward: training that leads directly to employment.

Programs are developed in close alignment with employer needs so participants graduate with credentials that companies recognize and value. This model helps close one of the most persistent gaps in workforce development — ensuring that training leads directly to job opportunity.

Equally important, the program expands access to those who may not follow traditional education pathways. By supporting individuals with disabilities and others seeking alternative career routes, VersAbility TECH strengthens both workforce participation and economic inclusion.

Man operating forklift for VersAbility Resources class

A Region Growing — and Preparing for What’s Next

Regional organizations such as the Hampton Roads Workforce Council and the Hampton Roads Alliance have placed workforce readiness at the center of long-term economic growth.

Through initiatives like the Hampton Roads Playbook, leaders have aligned around several high-growth industry sectors shaping the region’s future, including defense and shipbuilding, clean energy, aerospace innovation, and logistics tied to the Port of Virginia.

Major investments continue to reinforce this momentum. Projects such as LS GreenLink’s major manufacturing investment demonstrate growing global confidence in Hampton Roads as a hub for energy infrastructure and advanced production.

As facilities expand and new companies arrive, the opportunity is clear: strengthen the region’s talent pipeline to match its economic growth.

Employers today are not simply looking for applicants. They are looking for individuals who arrive with verified skills, safety training, and recognized credentials that allow them to contribute from day one.

Workforce development has moved beyond long-range planning. It has become an essential part of day-to-day economic competitiveness.

Unlocking Talent Across the Region

At the same time, Hampton Roads has tremendous untapped potential within its own communities.

Across the region are adults seeking retraining after career transitions, individuals pursuing stable careers without a four-year degree, and people with disabilities eager to contribute their talents in competitive workplaces.

Employers are increasingly committed to building diverse and dynamic teams. What they need are stronger systems that connect motivated individuals with meaningful career pathways.

This is where VersAbility TECH enters the picture.

Rather than simply adding another training program, VersAbility TECH focuses on building stronger connections between people, skills, and employers — creating pathways that are practical, inclusive, and directly aligned with workforce needs.

Workforce Strategy for the Region’s Future

VersAbility Resources has long focused on empowering people with disabilities through employment, independence, and community engagement. VersAbility TECH builds on that mission while responding to the evolving workforce needs of Hampton Roads.

The initiative represents more than a training program. It is part of a broader workforce strategy.

Strong workforce systems create benefits across the region. Individuals gain access to stable and meaningful careers. Employers gain reliable pipelines of skilled workers. Communities see stronger economic mobility. And the region becomes even more competitive for future investment.

Economic developers often say that workforce readiness is one of the most important factors companies consider when deciding where to locate or expand.

By preparing job-ready talent and expanding access to opportunity, VersAbility TECH strengthens Hampton Roads’ ability to compete — and thrive.

Building the Workforce of Tomorrow

Hampton Roads stands at an exciting point in its economic story. Investment is growing, industries are evolving and demand for skilled workers will only increase in the years ahead.

Meeting that demand will require workforce systems that are flexible, inclusive, and closely aligned with real employer needs.

VersAbility TECH represents a forward-looking approach — one that connects people to opportunity while strengthening the economic future of the entire region.

Because when workforce development works, businesses grow, communities prosper, and more individuals gain the chance to build meaningful careers.

And in Hampton Roads, that future is already taking shape.

Why Hands-On Training Matters for Students of All Abilities

Posted on February 23, 2026April 1, 2026 by Abby S

When people think about workforce readiness, one question often comes first: What kind of learning truly prepares students for real jobs?

For students preparing to enter today’s workforce — including students with disabilities —the answer is increasingly clear. Hands-on training plays a critical role in building skills, confidence and long-term success.

Through training programs offered by VersAbility TECH, experiential learning provides opportunities to learn by doing, turning potential into practical, employable skills. Building on VersAbility’s long-standing commitment to supporting people of all abilities, the program delivers inclusive training designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of leaners.

Learning by Doing Builds Real-World Skills

Hands-on training allows students to engage directly with tools, equipment and real workplace scenarios. Rather than relying solely on lectures or textbooks, students practice tasks they are likely to encounter on the job.

This approach helps learners:

Understand how tasks are performed in real work environments
Develop muscle memory and technical proficiency
Improve problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Retain information more effectively

For many students – including those with disabilities – active learning removes barriers that traditional classroom instruction may create.

Instructor teaching student in a VersAbility forklift class

Confidence Grows Through Experience

Confidence is a key component of employment success. Hands-on training helps students build confidence by allowing them to master tasks step by step in a supportive environment.

As students complete training milestones, they gain:

A sense of accomplishment
Increased independence
Trust in their own abilities
Motivation to pursue employment opportunities

These outcomes are meaningful not only for students, but for families who want to see their loved one succeed at work, and in everyday life.

Inclusive Training Meets Students Where They Are

Hands-on learning environments can be adapted to support a wide range of learning styles, physical abilities and communication needs. Training can be paced appropriately, reinforced through repetition and supported with visual, verbal or physical cues.

This flexibility helps ensure that:

Students are not rushed or overwhelmed
Skills are learned safely and effectively
Individual strengths are recognized and built upon

Inclusive, experiential training acknowledges that there is no single path to success, and that every learner benefits from instruction designed with accessibility in mind.

A young man works at a computer in a small office space

Preparation for High-Demand Careers

Employers consistently seek candidates who are ready to contribute on day one. Hands-on training prepares students for this expectation by exposing them to workplace standards, safety requirements and professional routines.

Students who complete experiential training programs are often better prepared for roles in:

Warehousing and logistics
Manufacturing and skilled trades
Facilities and operations
Distribution and supply chain support

These industries value reliability, safety awareness and practical skills, qualities that hands-on training helps develop.

Bridging the Gap Between Education and Employment

One of the greatest challenges facing students with disabilities is the transition from education to employment. Hands-on training helps bridge that gap by connecting learning directly to job outcomes.

Through structured training and workforce preparation, students gain:

Job-ready technical skills
Exposure to real workplace expectations
Resume-building experience
A clearer understanding of career pathways

Hands-on training is more than an instructional method. It is a pathway to confidence, independence and meaningful employment for students of all abilities.

Through VersAbility TECH, experiential learning helps ensure that every student has the opportunity to build skills that matter, prepare for high-demand careers and move toward a more independent future.

Click here to learn more about VersAbility TECH training opportunities.

Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment Event to Spotlight Inclusive Workforce Pathways in Hampton Roads

Posted on February 23, 2026February 23, 2026 by Steph H

Business leaders. Workforce champions. Technologists. Community advocates. Now is the moment to come together.

Leading workforce development and business organizations in Hampton Roads invite the community to Breaking Down Barriers in Tech Employment — a free, regional event on Thursday, March 5 starting at 5 p.m. designed to bring the community together in a call to action focused on expanding access, increasing opportunity and building a more inclusive technology workforce.

The evening, held at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, will feature networking, panel discussion and action-focused dialogue centered on building more inclusive pathways into high-demand tech careers across Hampton Roads.

Registration is free online here.

The event’s signature panel discussion features regional leaders including:

• Shawn Avery, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Workforce Council
• Johnny Garcia, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer, SimIS, Inc.
• Kasia Grzelkowski, President & CEO, VersAbility Resources

The conversation will be moderated by Blair Durham, Co-Founder & CEO of Black BRAND, with Francesca Garcia Moncion, Board Member of the Hispanic Chamber of Coastal Virginia, serving as event emcee.

Panelists plan to explore the evolving tech employment landscape, addressing both the opportunities and systemic barriers that job seekers face. Topics will include alternative credentialing, apprenticeships, military-to-civilian skill translation, inclusive hiring practices and the role of employer partnerships in workforce development.

While careers in technology are frequently perceived as requiring advanced degrees, extensive experience or security clearances, the event will highlight the growing number of accessible entry points into the industry. Attendees will gain practical insight into certifications, training programs and structured support systems that are helping people with disabilities alongside people of all abilities transition into meaningful tech careers.

Why Forklift Certification Opens Doors to High-Demand Careers

Posted on February 23, 2026April 1, 2026 by Abby S

For individuals with disabilities, one goal often rises above all others: meaningful employment that builds confidence, independence and long-term stability.

Through VersAbility TECH, forklift certification offers a practical, achievable pathway toward that goal. While it may seem like a simple credential, forklift certification can be a powerful stepping stone into high-demand careers.

A Credential That’s Widely Recognized and Needed

Industries across Virginia – including warehousing, manufacturing, distribution, shipbuilding and logistics – depend on trained forklift operators to keep operations running safely and efficiently.

Forklift certification is a recognized workforce credential that demonstrates safety knowledge, technical competence, and job readiness. For individuals with disabilities, earning this certification provides a concrete achievement that translates directly into employment opportunities.

Students learning in classroom for a Versability forklift class

Building Confidence and Independence

Workforce training delivers more than technical skills. It fosters:

Increased self-confidence
Greater responsibility
Stronger workplace independence
Pride in achievement

Mastering equipment operation and meeting certification standards helps individuals see their own capabilities in a new light. That growth often extends beyond the workplace into everyday life.

Creating Pathways to Stable Employment

One of the biggest advantages of earning forklift certification is how versatile it can make one’s skillset. While many people picture forklift work within traditional warehouse settings, the reality is that certification helps you qualify for roles in industries you might not expect, including:

Manufacturing facilities
Retail supply chains
Port and logistics operations
Construction material yards

These roles are essential to the economy and often provide consistent hours, competitive wages and opportunities for advancement. For families planning for long-term financial stability and independence, these factors are significant.

Support Beyond the Certification

What makes VersAbility TECH different is not just the credential, it’s the support system. Participants receive:

Hands-on training in a supportive learning environment
Job readiness preparation
Resume and interview coaching
Connections to local employers
Ongoing encouragement and guidance

At VersAbility TECH, we see what happens when opportunity meets support. We see individuals gain skills. We see families feel hopeful. And we see careers begin.

For individuals with disabilities, forklift certification may be more than job training. It may be the start of long-term independence.

Click here to learn more and inquire.

VersAbility Resources Celebrates First Graduating Class of abilIT Program

Posted on February 10, 2026April 1, 2026 by Steph H

Eight graduates completed 14-week IT training program designed to expand access and build an inclusive tech workforce.

VersAbility Resources proudly announces the first graduating class of abilIT, a groundbreaking 14-week workforce development program delivered in partnership with Melwood to prepare people with disabilities for competitive, in-demand careers in information technology.

The inaugural cohort included eight graduates, each completing hands-on training, career development support and industry-recognized credential preparation to help them confidently pursue in-demand roles in the technology sector. In several cases, the program’s career-focused approach enabled graduates to move seamlessly from training into the workforce with interviews and job placements already underway at the time of graduation.

abilIT is offered in partnership with Cybrary, the world’s most extensive online cybersecurity training platform. The program combines foundational IT instruction with preparation for widely recognized certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ — helping graduates strengthen technical skills and stand out to employers seeking talent in IT support and cybersecurity pathways.

“This graduation represents more than completing a program,” said Kasia Grzelkowski, President and CEO of VersAbility. “It represents access, opportunity and a tech workforce enriched by the talent and perspectives of people with disabilities.”

Eight graduates completed 14-week IT training program designed to expand access and build an inclusive tech workforce.

Graduates of abilIT are prepared to pursue roles such as IT Specialist, Help Desk Support and Cybersecurity Analyst, with dedicated career support designed to help participants translate training into real employment opportunities.

VersAbility Resources encourages individuals interested in beginning a career in IT — or those who know someone who may be interested — to inquire about the abilIT program and future opportunities.

Click here to learn more.

Class Schedule for VersAbility 2026 Forklift Certification Classes Published, Registration Now Open

Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Steph H

Now enrolling for 2026. VersAbility Resources has released its full schedule of Forklift and OSHA 10 Certification Training Classes, opening the door for individuals of all abilities to build marketable skills, earn nationally recognized certifications and take the next step toward meaningful employment.

Designed to meet OSHA training standards, the course combines instructor-led instruction with practical training and performance evaluation. Participants who complete the program will earn Forklift Certification (15 hours) and the OSHA10 Certification (10 hours), helping build workplace safety skills that are in high demand across logistics, warehousing and manufacturing industries.

The classes are held at the VersAbility Resources headquarters in Hampton one week each month throughout 2026, Tuesday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The cost to enroll is $250 per participant.

Class capacity is limited to 10 students per session.

Adults of all abilities age 18 and older are eligible to enroll.

Interested students are encouraged to inquire about upcoming classes here.

“Forklift certification is often the difference between someone being interested in a job and being qualified for it,” said Casey Roberts, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development of VersAbility Resources. “By offering forklift training, we’re removing a common barrier to employment and giving people practical, in-demand skills that translate immediately into opportunity. These credentials open doors for individuals of all abilities while helping employers fill essential roles across our region.”

VersAbility forklift class Tuesday August 26, 2025.

VersAbility Resources is committed to creating inclusive training opportunities that equip individuals with practical skills and safety knowledge needed to succeed in today’s workforce. Reasonable accommodations are available. Participants are encouraged to note any accommodation needs during registration.

Registration Now Open for 2026 Welding Training Program Through VersAbility TECH

Posted on January 28, 2026January 28, 2026 by Steph H

VersAbility Resources is seeking inquiries from students looking to register for its 2026 Welding Training Program, a core offering of VersAbility TECH (Train, Educate, Certify, Hire), a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative designed to prepare people with disabilities alongside people of all abilities for high-demand, industry-recognized careers in welding and advanced manufacturing.

The welding program is part of VersAbility TECH’s growing portfolio of employer-aligned training pathways that support careers in shipbuilding, manufacturing, logistics and related skilled trades.

Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training, participants gain industry-recognized skills that lead to meaningful employment and long-term career advancement.

The six-month training program, divided into two semesters, runs Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at the New Horizons Regional Education Centers – Butler Farm Campus in Hampton. Students can earn certifications in SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), ARC I, ARC II, AWS D1.1.

Adults of all abilities 18 and older are encouraged to inquire.

“When we invest in training like welding for people with disabilities, we’re doing more than teaching a trade, we’re opening doors to purpose, independence and long-term opportunity,” said Casey Roberts, Executive Vice President of Strategy and Development of VersAbility Resources. “These programs equip individuals with marketable, in-demand skills that can truly change the trajectory of their lives, while also helping meet the critical workforce needs of Hampton Roads. Our region depends on skilled welders, and VersAbility TECH ensures that talent exists in places that have too often been overlooked.”

Community leaders recognize the value in this training and impact it can make on the economic development of the entire region. VersAbility Resources recently announced that TowneBank made a transformational $500,000 investment to accelerate the expansion of VersAbility TECH, helping grow the training footprint into what will eventually become a 75,000-square-foot workforce training center.

For full welding program details and inquiry information, go here.

VersAbility Resources Offers New Forklift and OSHA10 CertificationTraining Course for People of All Abilities

Posted on November 9, 2024November 9, 2024 by Steph H

VersAbility Resources is excited to announce that registration is now open for its Forklift and OSHA10 Certification Training Course, designed to offer people of all abilities the chance to gain critical workplace certifications. The course starts Nov. 12, 2024, with classes held every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Forklift and OSHA10 Certification Training Course details include the following:

Dates: Weekly starting Nov. 12, 2024

Schedule: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: VersAbility Resources Headquarters, 2520 58th Street, Hampton, VA 23661

Eligibility: Open to individuals of all abilities, ages 18+

Participants in this training will gain hands-on experience operating a forklift and will earn their OSHA10 certification, equipping them with valuable skills for enhanced workplace safety and job readiness. The course is designed to accommodate people of all abilities, making it a uniquely inclusive opportunity for individuals looking to boost their employment potential in warehouse, manufacturing and logistics roles.

“With the demand for certified forklift operators on the rise, we are proud to provide this accessible and inclusive training course,” said LaKisa Ward, Vice President of Programming and Operations at VersAbility Resources. “Our goal is to empower all participants with essential skills that can lead to meaningful, long-term employment.”

The class combines instructor-led and independent study coursework. The forklift certification is 15 hours, and the OSHA10 certification is 10 hours.

Sign up today and take the first step toward obtaining industry-recognized certifications in a supportive and inclusive environment. For additional details and to register, visit https://versability.org/forklift-certification-class/.

Category: Training