Empowering Local Workforce: Economic Development Authorities and Skills Development

As an economic development organization, it is the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority’s mission to attract businesses to our area, and one of the significant reasons that plays into an employer’s decision to open or move their business is the local talent pool. Having a skilled, dedicated workforce is a key to long-term success.

Fortunately, New River Gorge is home to one of the most available workforces in the nation — our residents average 30-minute commutes and have one of the lowest turnover rates in the nation. For employers, this means drawing from a large geographic spread of employees and also that training dollars are not wasted on short-term professionals. In addition, the average wages in West Virginia are around 11% below the national average, which provides employers with an affordable landscape.

Through the NRGRDA’s programs and partnerships, employers can find trained employees looking for a position as well as skill development opportunities for their current employees (and themselves!). The region’s workforce/education partnership has been vital in providing new and existing companies with the skilled workforce they need, when they need it. For example, the Hive, a program of the NRGRDA, offers trainings for entrepreneurs using the CO.STARTERS philosophy as well as monthly workshops on specific and timely topics.

Partnerships with academic institutions, such as New River Community and Technical College‘s Center for Workforce Education, gives job seekers and employees looking to build upon their technical skills the opportunity to do so through community, continuing and workforce educational classes. These programs are available as credit or non-credit training, pre-employment training as well as traditional certificate and associate degree programs.

Another resource that employers can utilize when trying to find or educate employees is WorkForce West Virginia, a partner of the American Job Center. WorkForce West Virginia can assist with the recruitment, evaluation and screening applicants, so that employers can spend their time interviewing only the job seekers that fit their qualifications. In regards to instruction, employers can collaborate on on-the-job-training, and the WV Workplace Education Program “provides customized essential skill training for incumbent or potential employees in the case of business expansion or relocation to West Virginia.” Likewise, the West Virginia Development Office’s Governor’s Guaranteed Work Force Program provides technical assistance and training funds for new, existing and expanding businesses in West Virginia. Financial award provided is associated with the number of new jobs created. These funds may be used to support; training analysis, job profiling, technical training, train-the-trainer, pre-employment training, quality system development, structured on-the-job training, and instructor wages.

The NRGRDA knows the importance of empowering the local workforce and aiding in skills development so that employers have access to skilled employees.

West Virginia, and the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, are ready to help you and your business thrive! Want to learn more? Contact us.