Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on May 14 a new energy workforce training cohort at the Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Center in Stollings, West Virginia. The program is a partnership between Hope Gas, the West Virginia Department of Education, and the Logan County Board of Education.
The initiative aims to provide students with practical skills and direct connections to employers in West Virginia’s growing energy sector. “Creating more opportunities for students to develop practical skills and connect directly with employers is critical to West Virginia’s future,” said Governor Morrisey. “We want young people to know they can build successful careers right here at home in industries that are helping power our state and nation.”
The new cohort expands on previous workforce development efforts by Hope Gas in Clarksburg, bringing similar opportunities to southern West Virginia through collaboration with local education officials. The program will offer hands-on training and career development designed to prepare young people for jobs connected to the state’s economic needs.
West Virginia has seen rapid economic growth recently, with more than $12.8 billion in private sector investment announcements tied to over 12,000 projected jobs since October.
Senator Jim Justice has also focused on supporting youth programs and constituent engagement through his office, served as governor of West Virginia emphasizing economic growth, was elected as a U.S. senator from the state, obtained degrees from Marshall University where he captained the golf team, and drew upon his lifelong residency in West Virginia for his public service roles, according to the official website.
