Industry Outlook
[ workforce ]
EMILY RICE
Rebuilding West Virginia ’ s Workforce
The ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic showed industry leaders in West Virginia the benefits of forging their own paths and adjusting quickly in an ever-changing economy . In an effort to adjust to the current climate , the Mountain State ’ s top industries have pivoted to a candidatedriven market to attract their post-pandemic workforce .
The Manpower Group recently conducted a global employment survey that revealed the strongest hiring outlooks since the beginning of the pandemic , while talent shortages remain at a 15-year high . Currently , 59 % of companies in the U . S . are looking to hire new employees , and many are offering incentives such as on-the-job training and skills development ; flexible schedules ; signing bonuses ; increased wages , financial benefits and vacation time ; and lower experience requirements for new hires . Essentially , if someone is looking for a new job or a career change , now is the time to act .
According to Diane Strong-Treister , president and owner of Manpower ’ s 10 offices in West Virginia and Eastern Kentucky , the staffing agency is looking for employees for many industries , including administrative , industrial , health care and manufacturing — the majority of which are for permanent placement .
“ There are so many companies hiring right now and willing to train people ,” she says . “ The shortage of workers in the Mountain State is obvious with small businesses and chain store windows alike displaying help wanted signs .”
In an effort to highlight the workforce needs and innovative approaches to filling these positions by some of the Mountain State ’ s leading sectors , West Virginia Executive reached out to industry leaders in construction , energy , health care , high technology , manufacturing and tourism .
Construction Energy
According to a recent survey from the Contactors Association of West Virginia ( CAWV ), 80 % of construction firms reported currently having or expecting difficulty filling professional construction positions and 60 % report the same when filling hourly craft positions .
CAWV Executive Director Mike Clowser says a workforce shortage coupled with many construction workers nearing retirement age will require a lot of new , qualified tradespeople to be hired to complete future projects .
“ The construction industry offers a wide range of opportunities , both in the field and in the construction office , with different avenues to prepare young people for their first job ,” Clowser says . “ Many vocational and technical schools in West Virginia offer construction courses that provide education and training in carpentry , welding , electrical , masonry and other crafts . Many community and technical colleges in the state offer two-year degrees , while four-year degrees are provided at West Virginia ’ s many universities . For example , WVU Tech in Beckley started a program for those interested in construction management . Many enter the industry as an entry-level construction worker with a construction firm and learn skills on the job that lead to advancement in the company . Many contractors hire engineering graduates in their companies .”
In the energy sector , employment opportunities exist across most mine-level categories , according to Chris Hamilton , president and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association .
“ Despite the well-publicized challenges the coal industry is facing , West Virginia ’ s mining industry will continue to sustain good-paying , industrial jobs for many years to come ,” Hamilton says . “ These positions range from entry-level laborers to mid- and journeyman-level equipment operators , mine supervisory personnel and mine managers .”
Many industries , including the mining industry , are implementing training and certification programs to afford individuals pre-employment , apprenticeship training and on-the-job training as well as preparation for advanced or more intensive skilled training . Additionally , retraining programs are also available for experienced miners looking to re-enter the industry .
“ Workforce West Virginia has partnered with the mining industry to help steer qualified individuals toward opportunities in this sector , and several high schools and vocational centers around the state have offered mine apprenticeship programs as part of their career and technical programs . Coal mining will continue to be one of West Virginia ’ s bedrock industries . We believe the mining industry has a bright future in West Virginia ,” Hamilton says .
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