West Virginia Executive Spring/Summer 2020 | Page 67

Robert C. Byrd Institute
The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI) has been working to fill
the critical shortage of skilled machinists, machine operators,
programmers and welders in West Virginia since 1998 with
well-known initiatives like its machinist technology/computer
numerical controlled and welding technology programs. As the
needs of American manufacturers continue to change, RCBI
continues adapting and creating programs to fill the void while
also utilizing the talents and addressing the needs of underserved
communities.
“The ongoing skills gap in American manufacturing demands
that we cultivate a more diverse cross section of society to pursue
careers in manufacturing,” says Charlotte Weber, director and
CEO of RCBI. “With large numbers of baby boomers retiring
and the adoption of new and emerging technologies, we must
attract more women to the industry and show young people that
manufacturing offers rewarding employment opportunities.”
The organization’s newest program, RecoveryWorkWV,
provides formerly incarcerated women affected by the opioid
crisis a pathway to manufacturing through a free, 15-week
program offering machinist training, classroom instruction,
on-the-job experience, peer counseling and soft skills training.
RCBI’s training programs are partnered with community
and technical colleges in and around West Virginia, allowing
students to simultaneously earn national certifications and an
associate degree. The institute awarded the largest percentage
of machinist certifications in the state in 2019 and has maintained
an overall 95 percent job placement rate.
As a result of COVID-19, RCBI transitioned to online
instruction and doubled the offerings of online courses. The
organization plans to resume both online and in-person classes
later this year while limiting the number of people in its facilities
and following other safety measures. It also plans to continue its
HUBZone partnership trainings with the U.S. Small Business
Administration. The partnership provides training and certification
assistance to manufacturers interested in bidding for
government contracts, which in the last two years has increased
from 23 to 56 businesses and from $10.4 million to $13.9 million
in federal contract spending in the state.
“West Virginia companies cannot innovate and grow in a
21st century economy if they don’t have the skilled workers
to perform essential jobs,” says Weber. “Our West Virginia
workforce is the backbone of everything good our state has
to offer. RCBI’s customized training provides a convenient
and affordable way for manufacturers to ensure they have the
skilled workforce needed to compete for and fulfill contracts
and grow their businesses.”
Photo by RCBI.
Photo by WV Department of Education.
West Virginia Department of Education
In the midst of the novel COVID-19 outbreak, it’s never
been more important to offer medical training to West
Virginians—a state where many residents do not have adequate
access to health care. The West Virginia Department
of Education’s Division of Technical and Adult Education is
doing just that through its Advanced Career Education (ACE)
program, which offers postsecondary technical trainings.
These trainings prepare students to enter the workforce in growing
industries with advanced certifications and licensures like
licensed practical nursing, certified nursing assistant, medical
assisting, respiratory therapist, commercial driver’s license,
electrical technician and welding.
“Through joint partnerships between secondary and postsecondary
institutions, ACE programs are designed to be
short-term, high-quality career pathways that allow students to
be work ready in a year or less,” says Kathy D’Antoni, Ed.D.,
associate state superintendent of the West Virginia Department
of Education’s Division of Technical and Adult Education. “ACE
creates an engaging business and industry learning environment
that empowers students to take ownership of their education
by gaining job-ready skills in an authentic workplace culture.”
The West Virginia Department of Education serves all 55
counties in the state through its 21 nationally accredited ACE
schools and six local career centers. Anyone with a high school
diploma or equivalent can apply by contacting their local career
center or visiting the program’s website.
While the ACE program saw delays and interruptions due
to the pandemic, schools transitioned to virtual learning
opportunities to allow students to safely continue and were
permitted to reopen for in-person classes in May.
The ACE office works closely with the West Virginia
Department of Commerce to consistently evaluate the state’s
economic and workforce needs, encouraging local career
centers to evaluate their programs as well. This allows each
program to adapt and adjust its trainings based on the state’s
workforce demands.
“The goal of ACE is to give students the skill sets they need
to obtain a high-demand, high-wage, high-tech job in West
Virginia,” says D’Antoni. “The ACE programs are training
the next generation of West Virginia workers.” •
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