TCC Celebrates Workforce Solutions 2025 Spring Graduates
Family, friends, students, faculty, and members of the TCC community came together at Chartway Arena on Tuesday, April 1, for the Workforce Solutions 2025 Spring Graduation to celebrate the graduating class, honor their hard work, and recognize their distinguished achievements.
TCC’s Center for Workforce Solutions is the region’s most comprehensive resource for businesses and individuals looking to build professional skills fast. For individuals in search of professional certifications, a promotion, or an in-demand career, the Center provides tailored programs that offer affordable avenues to receive training that keeps them on the cutting edge of their field. Through strong partnerships with employers and community organizations, graduates gain valuable career opportunities.
The program proudly supports active-duty military, veterans, and their families through customized training and resources in collaboration with TCC’s Center for Military and Veterans Education (CMVE) and Virginia’s Fast Forward program. Many students earn credentials at a fraction of the cost, making career advancement more accessible than ever.
This week’s graduation ceremony celebrated graduates from the Center for Workforce Solutions’ healthcare program, information technology program, skilled trades academy, and job skills training program’s certified nurse aide pathway.
Dan Banister served as the ceremony’s keynote speaker. He is the owner of Banister Automotive with locations in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Hampton, Virginia and Suitland, Maryland. Starting as a sales associate in 1992, Banister worked his way up in the automobile industry, turning around failing dealerships and eventually owning multiple successful locations. His dedication to community service is evident through his involvement with numerous charities and boards including TCC’s Educational Foundation, the Hampton Roads Automotive Dealers Association and the Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation. His achievements have earned him numerous awards including the MLK Leadership Award and the Nissan Global Award.
Banister enthusiastically addressed the graduates and shared his personal career journey and the life lessons that he values the most.
“One thing that I have learned in life is that no one owes you anything. It is your job to go out there and get it,” said Banister. “You all have already made that first step. What you’re doing here today is creating your own opportunity for you to take your family to the next level.”
Banister commended the graduates for taking this crucial step towards success, and assured them that they have what it takes to continue on this productive trajectory in their future endeavors.
“You are starting a legacy of your own. Never be afraid to fail,” said Banister. “This is just the beginning, there is much more to come.”
Krystle Whitaker represented the graduating class as the student speaker. Whitaker earned her Certified Nursing Aide certification through the Job Skills Training Program, and is currently enrolled in TCC’s LPN program.
Whitaker shared how her experience in JSTP has changed her life and given her the opportunity to achieve her goals.
“This opportunity was such a gift,” said Whitaker. “JSTP has given me a new perspective on life that will grow and continue to strengthen me in the years to come.”
Vice President for Workforce Solutions Art Hall conferred the certifications to all of the graduates and concluded the ceremony by promising to all of the graduates that they will continue to be supported as they continue their journey, wherever it may take them.
“TCC’s Workforce Solutions faculty and staff are here to assist you in any way we can,” said Hall. “This is the beginning of your journey and we are committed to your success. Remember: from here you can go anywhere!”
