SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
iTech Partners with Learn & Earn
Connecting West Virginia Employers with an Educated Workforce
The West Virginia Community & Technical College System ( WVCTCS ), which coordinates workforce efforts across the state through nine public community and technical colleges , administers the Mountain State ’ s leading workforce development , economic development and educational partnership , Learn & Earn . This program connects employers with students through colleges , allowing them to take courses while gaining paid work experiences — and allowing companies to meet immediate needs while building a skilled labor pool for the future . The student ’ s pay is shared 50 / 50 by the company and the college , with students receiving at least $ 10 per hour to work in the field in which they ’ re studying .
Through these connections , companies and organizations tap into a trusted talent pool , reduce the cost of onboarding , cultivate dedicated employees and address their present skills gap . At the same time , students get the opportunity to work as apprentices , gaining valuable work experiences in their desired field while earning wages as they earn their credentials .
Learn & Earn is a huge win for participating West Virginia businesses . In fact , more than 90 % of program participants are hired by the companies that train them .
Reach out to build your future workforce today !
Tiffany Ellis-Williams Director of Workforce & Economic Development , WVCTCS ( 681 ) 313-2265 | wvctcs . edu | williams @ wvctcs . edu
Alana Cottrill is a Spring 2022 WVU Parkersburg graduate and
Learn and Earn student .
iTech , a technology solutions provider , was instrumental in partnering with West Virginia University ( WVU ) Parkersburg to employ the first class of IT Learn & Earn students , along with Chemours and Woodcraft . iTech has helped the program grow by expanding positions in different career fields . During the 2021-2022 school year , iTech employed five WVU Parkersburg students through the Learn & Earn program , working in the accounting , IT or marketing departments .
“ We ’ re having fun here , and we ’ re growing by bringing on students as new employees ,” says Mike Williams , owner and CEO of iTech . “ The great thing about the Learn & Earn program is that I get a one to two-year interview with these students . In return , it is a great way for the students to explore their career goals and find out if we are the right fit for their future .”
Alana Cottrill is a Spring 2022 WVU Parkersburg graduate earning her certificate and associate of applied science in business administration . She was also a marketing Learn & Earn student at iTech . In her role , she designed company marketing materials , social media content , press releases and more .
“ I feel like I have grown since being in the Learn & Earn program ,” Cottrill says . “ I have done things I never thought I would have , but it has all been so exciting for me . I ’ ve received real-life experiences that will help me and the company as I go on in my career .”