Regional Focus, Statewide Partner

Facebook-f X-twitter
Let's Connect
Centre Market
image
Empowering Businesses and Employees Through Training

Workforce

Northern West Virginia benefits from comprehensive workforce development programs administered by the Governor’s Workforce Investment Division. These programs are designed to enhance the skills of the local workforce, support business growth, and foster economic development within the region. From targeted training grants to collaborations with educational institutions, these initiatives offer valuable resources to companies and their employees, ensuring a well-prepared and competitive workforce.

  • Comprehensive Training Programs
  • Governor’s Workforce Investment Division
  • Partnerships with Educational Institutions
  • Support for All Business Sizes
Northern WV
More Advantages
Workforce Development

The Governor’s Workforce Investment Division
Workforce Training Programs

The Governor’s Guaranteed Workforce Program offers up to $1,000 per employee in training grants for companies that create a minimum of ten new jobs within a year. This program supports a range of workforce enhancement services, including employee recruitment, pre-employment assessment, high-performance workplace development, structured on-the-job training, and workplace education.
Targeting small to medium-sized manufacturers, with staff counts ranging from 50 or fewer to under 500 employees, the Competitive Improvement Program provides grants capped at $1,000 per trainee. This initiative requires a 50% cash contribution from employers and necessitates documentation of in-kind contributions, focusing on enhancing training and development and supporting competitive improvements in the workplace.
This program fosters partnerships between educational institutions and the business community to create a fund dedicated to workforce development. It involves community and technical colleges setting up revolving funds with a one-to-one match from the private sector, aimed at strengthening connections between education and industry.
As part of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center system, the Small Business Workforce Program offers up to $5,000 in grants for general enhancements and up to $10,000 for technology-focused businesses. This program supports small businesses that have been operational for at least one year, helping them enhance competitiveness.
The Workforce Investment Act Program supports individuals in funding for training but mandates the completion of various criteria such as job search and assessment before training approval. It focuses on the development of individual employment plans, establishing assessment and job search requirements, and providing support for training and development needs.
More Info
Workforce Development

Additional Resources

Development
image
01

West Virginia Manufacturing Partnership (WVMEP)

Aims to strengthen the state's manufacturing sector through programs like Continuous Improvement, Quality programs, and Health and Safety services.

Visit WVMEP
image
02

U.S. Department of Commerce Export Assistance Center

Offers resources and assistance for exporting.

Visit the Export Assistance Center
image
03

West Virginia Department of Commerce Global Assistance

Provides support for global engagement for local businesses.

Visit Global Assistance
image
Advantages

Doing Business Here

Low Cost Operations

Easy Access Location

Workforce

Workforce Development

Education and Training

Incentives & Financing

"Wheeling has people, easy access to the amenities of Pittsburgh and local benefits such as good schools…Once people get their hands around that, they’re very excited. The area offers a pool of hardworking people interested in better-than-average pay and good benefits. In return, Wheeling allows businesses to enjoy lower real estate and labor costs than big cities such as Chicago."
Associated Press
Local Impact of Educational Institutions

Dr. Martin Olshinsky, former president of West Virginia Northern Community College (WVNCC), highlighted that 86% of the college’s students remain in the region after graduation, contributing significantly to the local workforce and economy.

Retention and Impact on Local Workforce

Jim Simms, former president and general manager of Wheeling Island Racetrack, Hotel & Casino, attested to the benefits of partnering with WVNCC, noting the rapid development and implementation of custom training programs that have bolstered their operations.

Partnerships Enhancing Workforce Training

Success Stories

Wheeling Truck Center, located in south Wheeling, West Virginia, was presented with the President’s “E” Award for exports.  The “E” Awards are the highest recognition any U.S. entity may  receive for making a significant contribution to the expansion of U.S. exports.  Wheeling Truck Center began exporting in 2010 and in 4 years has sold truck parts to 94 countries.

Wheeling Truck Center

image
WORK WITH RED

LET'S CONNECT