ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — Northern Virginia Community College has introduced "NOVANext," a new initiative aimed at providing free assistance to federal workers and contractors.

The program is designed to help unemployed individuals assess how their previous job skills can be transferred to new opportunities within the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area.

The program includes virtual workshops and certification training in IT, Human Resources and Project Management, and Entrepreneurship.

Officials said to qualify however, workers must reside in Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, and Prince William counties and the cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Residents looking to meet funding requirements for the FastForward workforce initiative must have lived in Virginia for at least a year.

Additionally, "NOVA-Next" offers resources for those interested in starting their own businesses. To submit an online application, click here .