Workforce training, CompTIA certifications, and determination: Zachary Caudle’s path to systems administrator
Certifications Earned:
Tech+, A+, Network+, Security+, CySA+, Project+
Deciding to walk away from long hours and unfulfilling work is not easy, especially with a young family to support. For Zachary Caudle, that decision meant leaving warehouse work and truck driving to pursue a long-term career, not just another job.
When his youngest son was born, Zachary was working on the dock at a logistics company, in a space that was freezing in the winter and brutally hot in the summer. During a conversation about their future, Zachary’s wife encouraged him to explore technology training at Laurel Ridge Community College, knowing his interest in computers. That suggestion led him to Laurel Ridge’s Workforce Solutions website, where he discovered a series of short-term IT training programs built around CompTIA certifications.
Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions: A structured, short-term pathway
Zachary enrolled in Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions’ FastForward career training programs, designed specifically to prepare adult learners for high-demand IT roles through industry-recognized credentials. Thanks to Virginia’s G3 and FastForward funding, his tuition was fully covered, allowing him to leave his job and focus on learning.
Laurel Ridge’s IT career programs are built around CompTIA certifications. They combine instructor-led classes, hands-on labs, and exam preparation into clear, stackable steps. Each course is aligned to a specific credential, so students know exactly what skills they are building and which exam they are preparing for.
For Zachary, the journey started with CompTIA IT Fundamentals (now known as CompTIA Tech+), a prerequisite at Laurel Ridge that opened the door to CompTIA A+. He had researched A+ and knew it was widely recognized by employers as the industry standard for entry-level IT roles.
Along the way, Zachary faced moments of doubt. After passing the ITF+ exam with a lower score than he had hoped, and then failing his first attempt at CompTIA Network+ he wondered, “Is this something I can really do?” The support around him made the difference. His wife was a constant source of encouragement, reminding him that he was fully capable of learning and applying the material. His instructor at Laurel Ridge worked with him one-on-one to walk through concepts, identify weak spots, and drill into those areas. That extra support paid off, and Zachary passed the Network+ exam on his second attempt with a much higher score.
“Programs are designed to accommodate working adults’ schedules,” said Jeanian Clark, vice president of Workforce Solutions and Continuing Education at Laurel Ridge. “In just a few short months, giving us just a weeknight or two of your time, these programs are a multi-generational game changer for individuals and families in our community.”
With the support of his advisors and a clear academic structure, Zachary earned his credentials strategically and moved quickly from beginner to multi-certified professional. After A+ and Network+, he transitioned into the cybersecurity sequence, completing courses mapped to CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA CySA+. Alongside these, he added ITIL, CompTIA Project+, and other certifications signaling to employers that he had end-to-end, job-ready IT operations skills.
“None of this, and I really mean that, would have been possible had I not completed those exams,” Zachary said. “They set me up for success, secured me interviews, and provided me with the knowledge to secure the positions and thrive in them. CompTIA truly changed my life.”
Career success, recognition, and a new future
The Laurel Ridge program and new CompTIA certifications transformed Zachary’s career trajectory. Today, he serves as a systems administrator in the operations technology division at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), supporting technology systems that are critical to the agency’s mission. Becoming a systems administrator has been a major career goal, and holding that role at VDOT has made the achievement even more meaningful.
The impact has been significant. Zachary’s salary doubled compared to his logistics work, and his new role has given him a more sustainable work-life balance. It also motivated him to continue his education. He is now close to completing a B.S. in Cloud and Network Engineering from Western Governors University (WGU), positioning him for long-term growth in cloud and infrastructure roles.
Zachary describes his work as both demanding and rewarding: “I like my brain being challenged,” he said, “I like the constant problem solving.”
In November 2025, at the Virginia Community College System (VCCS) Hire Ed Conference, Zachary received the 2025 Chancellor’s Award for Workforce Development – Outstanding Student Success Story. The award recognizes a student who embodies the transformative power of education and demonstrates personal and professional growth through earning a credential. Shannon Whitlow, director of workforce advising and coaching at Patrick & Henry Community College, presented the award:
“Zachary Caudle’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of Virginia’s Community Colleges,” she said. “Now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Cloud Computing from Western Governors University, Zachary plans to become a Cloud Solutions Architect—and he credits Laurel Ridge and Virginia’s Community Colleges with opening the door to a new future. His story embodies perseverance, purpose, and the power of workforce education to change lives.”
Looking back, Zachary sums up the experience in one word: grateful. “Grateful for the programs offered, for the chances. Grateful for the path to make it to where I am now, and the opportunity to go further.”
His story shows how a well-designed academic program built on CompTIA certifications, delivered through an accessible community college workforce model and strengthened by family support, committed instructors, and personal determination, can turn a career crossroads into a bridge to a new life.
Background, award, and program information courtesy of Laurel Ridge Community College