“ These survey numbers validate what we regularly hear from manufacturers,” Scarbro says.“ That’ s why we’ ve expanded, and will continue to expand, to solve the workforce needs on multiple fronts. We can do this through student certificate and associate degree pathways and shortterm, company-specific training as well as apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship partnerships.”
MAMC partners with Mountwest Community and Technical College to offer its Machinist Technology / CNC program in Huntington and expanded the program to South Charleston in 2024 in partnership with BridgeValley Community and Technical College. The program currently offers welding technology that will double in capacity in fall 2026 with the opening of the new advanced welding and robotics technology training centers on the site of the former ACF Industries in Huntington.
To meet growing demand for industrial maintenance technicians, MAMC partnered in 2024 with more than two dozen manufacturers and Mountwest to launch a new career skills program: Systems Maintenance, Automation and Robotics Technology( SMART). Classes are offered in Huntington and Point Pleasant. Within weeks of the program’ s launch, Nucor West Virginia and Toyota West Virginia hired SMART students as paid interns, with some now entering the state’ s workforce as full-time employees.
“ Workforce development and strong education programs are essential for our region,” says David Rosier, president
of Toyota West Virginia.“ When we invest in students and create clear pathways to high-quality careers, we support manufacturers and employers across the region. Most importantly, these partnerships uplift our communities by opening doors, expanding opportunity and empowering the next generation to thrive right here at home.”
Meanwhile, MAMC operates Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership, which helps companies upskill current workers and train new employees. MAMC has assisted companies in 26 states, including 39 manufacturing operations in West Virginia, with implementation of U. S. Department of Labor( DOL)-registered apprentices in 20 high-demand occupations.
Last year, MAMC forged a partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education to develop a pre-apprenticeship program for state career and technical education students that creates pathways into DOL-registered apprenticeships and long-term employment. MAMC mapped the skills taught in high school programs to national registered apprentice standards so more than 2,000 students can receive early credit toward full apprenticeships while creating a direct pipeline of talent for regional manufacturers.
“ Manufacturing is an indispensable driver in our state’ s economy,” says Kent Sowards, director of CBER.“ It provides stable, high-quality jobs but also fuels innovation and technological growth.” •
CONGRATULATIONS to WALLY THORNHILL
on being recognized as a West Virginia Executive Class of 2026 Sharp Shooter. Your commitment to Thornhill
Auto Group has been evident throughout your time with the company, and it would not be what it is today without you. This accolade is a demonstration of your hard work and impact on the communities you serve.
WWW. WVEXECUTIVE. COM SPRING 2026 63