Planning for
KENZIE DYE
the Future
Training Tomorrow ’ s Work force
Building a skilled technical workforce is vital for the future of West Virginia . Technology is integrated into most industries in our world today . Whether you ’ re operating a chemical manufacturing plant , developing thermal enabled drones to aid in wildfire suppression or working as a cybersecurity specialist , technology is at the forefront . While we know that these are some of the jobs already available , we need to think about how to create a workforce equipped to take on these and other jobs of the future that don ’ t even exist yet .
Utilize Career Technical Education
It may seem like an obvious solution , but investing in the state ’ s community and technical colleges is crucial when creating a spectrum of skilled workers .
“ Investing in community colleges creates two things ,” says Sudip Parikh , Ph . D ., CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and executive publisher of Science Family of Journals . “ It creates the people , but it also creates this critical mass that says to employers that there are people here who are going to be able to work for them .”
Career technical education ( CTE ) programs in public schools also aid in addressing the shortage of skilled workers in West Virginia .
“ The West Virginia Department of Education is working to expand CTE programs so students can consider these options earlier as they prepare for a successful and productive future ,” says Michele Blatt , state superintendent of schools .
One of these programs , the Science , Technology , Engineering , Arts and Mathematics Technical Assistance Center ( STEAM TAC ) in Morgantown , WV , enhances education
for middle school students statewide by focusing on all content areas and promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills . Since January 2022 , STEAM TAC has visited all 55 West Virginia counties and 248 schools and impacted 31,353 students .
West Virginia ’ s CTE programs enable students to explore potential careers in a multitude of technical training programs . These programs provide students with opportunities for industry-recognized credentials and work-based learning .
Diversify Delivery Methods of Education and Training
Not only do people differ in how they learn best , but the skills needed to meet the demands of the workforce are becoming increasingly diverse . James Bailey , secretary of commerce for the state of West Virginia , believes an all-ofthe-above and more approach to workforce development is the key to addressing this challenge .
“ In addition to bolstering career pathways through the traditional education system , we are embracing more flexible and job-specific training programs ,” he says .
The state is more frequently working directly with employers to develop training programs that relate to the jobs they need to fill . This approach to training students is being used at Marshall University .
“ We are leaning into more modern aspects of education , such as on-demand classes that are offered online or in a hybrid model , with shorter duration modules that lead to certificates and micro-credentials ,” says Brad Smith , president of Marshall University .
78
WEST VIRGINIA EXECUTIVE