[ workforce ]
Generation West Virginia
JEAN HARDIMAN
Retaining West Virginia ’ s Workforce
Fulfilling work , good wages , a strong connection to community and reliable internet service — these are just a handful of the things young workers want . While retaining young talent is on the wish list of many West Virginia companies and economic developers , there is one group with an inside perspective to make it happen and some dynamic efforts are already underway .
Generation West Virginia is an organization made up of young West Virginians with a goal of both recruiting and retaining other young workers to the Mountain State while also making improvements to benefit those who choose to call it home . The statewide group , with the help of localized member groups in every corner of West Virginia are striving to help young people find connection , career satisfaction and ways to make the state and their communities an even better place to live .
“ We work each day toward a vision of West Virginia where young people don ’ t feel like they have to choose between their home state and the life they want and deserve ,” says Alex Weld , incoming executive director of Generation West Virginia , who comes to the position after serving as executive director of Wheeling Heritage , a group focused on revitalizing the Wheeling area . “ We connect people with the jobs , skills and communities of support they need to stay in West Virginia .”
The organization works to improve broader economic issues young workers in West Virginia may face as well .
“ We also know there are larger systems at work that make it harder for young people to choose West Virginia , which is why we also lead a community-based effort to expand foundational broadband infrastructure and use the lessons we learn through all our work to advocate for the policy solutions needed to advance our mission ,” Weld says .
Making West Virginia hospitable for young workers in all careers is needed now more than ever . According to 2020 U . S . census figures , West Virginia lost about 59,000 people , or 3.2 % of its population , between 2010 and 2020 — the highest percentage decline of any state in the nation . However , Generation West Virginia and its partners are working to counteract those statistics in their communities on a case by case basis .
“ Young West Virginians can build the life they want right here at home ,” says outgoing Executive Director Natalie Roper , who has been leading and developing new initiatives with Generation West Virginia since 2014 . “ It ’ s not hypothetical — we see it in action every day . From the former construction worker starting his career in technology to the young family buying their first house , we work with young people across the state to help them make empowered decisions about their future in West Virginia . Young people can make a huge difference in their communities , especially when they work together . They have an incredible opportunity to help build the kind of state they want their kids to live in .”
Generation West Virginia ' s multifaceted approach covers every aspect of a young professional ' s life , from career opportunities and finding a sense of community to educational advancement and leadership development .
The group ’ s Impact Fellowship connects young people looking for work with employers with open positions in their fields .
“ The Impact Fellowship is a great way for businesses to invest in young people in our state ,” Weld says . “ It ’ s essentially a matchmaking program that Generation West Virginia has created to help connect talented young West Virginians to employers throughout the state . Employers partner with Generation West Virginia in this year-long
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