Workforce Training Programs
Workforce is the key to every business’ success. West Virginia has a dynamic, flexible, and customizable portfolio of workforce training and education programs. The programs below can be customized to each business’ unique requirements.
Governor’s Guaranteed Work Force Program
This vital program provides new or expanding companies training funds and technical assistance to support effective employee training strategies. Not limited to new employees, this program targets the business's entire workforce, training, re-training, and upgrading skills across all levels. Since the program's launch, more than $54 million has been awarded to employers and nearly 200,000 employees have received training.
Amount & Eligibility
Overall funding levels are based on average starting wages and benefits, location of your facility, number of employees, and number of employees being trained. Awards cannot exceed $2,000 per trainee.
To learn more, click here.
Workforce West Virginia
WorkForce West Virginia is the state government agency acting as the one-stop center for workforce resources, including assistance throughout the hiring process, support for employee training, tax incentives, and labor market information. All of our services are available at 13 comprehensive career centers throughout the state. In addition, WorkForce West Virginia has the largest online database of job seekers and job openings in the state.
Who do we help?
Job Seekers – New to the job market, Veterans, and laid-off workers
Employers – Businesses looking to hire qualified, skilled individuals
Unemployed – We help both Claimants and Employers navigate the complexities of Unemployment Insurance Claims
Regions and Locations
West Virginia is divided into seven regions that administer programs funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) out of 18 local offices across the state.
To learn more, click here.
Community and Technical Colleges
West Virginia offers businesses and industries the opportunity to partner with our Community and Technical College System to develop specialized education and training programs. Over the last decade, West Virginia’s Community and Technical Colleges have created nearly 150 new customer training programs, many in partnership with local companies and business investors.
Benefits to Businesses:
- Meet your workforce demands efficiently
- Link education and training with your company’s needs
- Find programs and grants available to assist in-company training
Governor’s Economic Initiatives
The Office of Governor’s Economic Initiatives establishes advanced training opportunities through nationally accredited technical programs to strategically target state economic needs while preparing the emerging workforce for career success.
Pierpont Community and Technical College is a public community college in Fairmont. Founded in 1974, it has the second-largest enrollment of the 10 Community and Technical Colleges that make up the West Virginia Community and Technical College System. The college serves 13 counties in North Central West Virginia with classes offered at more than 15 locations throughout the region. With an enrollment of more than 3,000, Pierpont offers more than 40 associate degree programs, skill sets, and one-year certificates. It specializes in preparing students in two years or less for practical hands-on careers and provides non-credit enrichment courses for individuals and customized workplace training for local employers.
For more information, click here.
The Region VI Workforce Development Board
The Region VI Workforce Development Board provides training services to employers located in the Region VI service area, which includes Marion County
Training must be for positions that provide full-time, year-round employment in a Demand Occupation. Programs include:
- On-the-Job Training
- Customized Training
- Incumbent Worker Training
- Transitional Training
- Rapid Response Services
To learn more, click here.
WV Apprenticeships
West Virginia Apprenticeship’s goal is to promote the apprenticeship system and provide current information on apprenticeship programs in West Virginia and surrounding areas.
Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation.
To learn more, click here.