The goal of Region 1 Workforce Development Board is to provide and maintain value-added workforce development and training services to best meet the needs of business and industry. The Workforce West Virginia partners will collaborate to provide excellent customer service and ensure that workforce or training needs of both large and small businesses in Region 1 are addressed in an efficient and effective manner.
Please contact us at 304.253.3611 for additional information or assistance.
Workforce Support
Your local WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Center can assist you with screening applicants for minimum qualifications and make appropriate referrals. Interview space is available at your local WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Center including all the amenities of a business center. To learn more about employee recruitment, tax credits, and free federal bonding, call or visit your local WorkForce West Virginia Center.
On-The-Job-Training
An opportunity to train employees your way. Reimbursement is made to eligible businesses for a portion of wages during training. Click here to learn more.
Governor’s Guaranteed Workforce Program
This flexible, customized training program under the West Virginia Development Office, offers assistance to eligible companies and businesses by providing funding that directly supports the transfer of knowledge and skills. Visit www.wvcommerce.org and click on Business Assistance.
WV Workplace Education
The WV Workplace Education Program provides customized essential skill training for incumbent or potential employees in the case of business expansion or relocation to West Virginia. To learn more, contact Tina White at tnmwhite@k12.wv.us.
Financial Packaging
Visit these links to learn more:
Economic Development Authorities (click tab above)
WV Development Office – www.wvcommerce.org and click on Business Assistance
Business Consulting and Support
Visit these links to learn more:
WV Development Office – www.wvcommerce.org and click on Business Assistance
WV Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – visit www.wvsbdc.org
Business Downsizing
Rapid response services provide out-placement services to assist companies facing right-sizing or closure. Layoff Aversion assists businesses to avert a layoff situation by partnering with agencies to works towards solutions to retain current employees.
Questions – Not sure who to contact?
We will help you locate the right resources for your business. Contact Region 1 Business Services at 304-255-3932 or ramorgan@r1workforcewv.org.
If your company is facing the unfortunate situation of a layoff, downsizing, or closing, the Rapid Response program can assist. We offer wide-range programming to safeguard that employees have the information and services to endure the dislocation period and secure new employment. Employers can utilize Rapid Response services to offer professional assistance to their employees.
For additional information on this program, please contact the Region 1 office at 304-253-3611.
Job Seekers
Workforce advisors at our WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers are here to assist you in choosing your career path. Resources such as labor market information, training providers, apprenticeship programs and financial aid information are available.
Scholarships, Grants & Loans
If you are interested in the pursuit of higher education, but not quite sure where to start in securing financial aid, a visit to the WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers is a good place to start. In addition to the many reference materials available in the Career Centers, we have experienced personnel to help guide you in the right direction.
What’s available for me and how do I become eligible?
Case managers have the tools necessary to determine potential eligibility for the following funding sources: PELL Grants, Scholarships, Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), Trade Act Assistance (TAA) or other alternative funding.
Many times, individuals come to our WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers seeking training which will help them become more employable, but are unable to give up their job to attend the training. Our Workforce advisors may be able to assist in helping you do both through an On-the-Job training program.
When a lay-off occurs, an Informational Meeting may be conducted by the Region 1 Rapid Response Team. At this meeting, information is provided to inform you of services available in helping you re-enter the workforce. These services are also available in our career centers.
Unemployment Compensation (UC)
Unemployment Compensation is designed to provide benefits to eligible persons who are temporarily unemployed through no fault of their own, and who would be employed full-time if suITA (Individual Training Account / Scholarship)ble jobs were available. Visit their website at www.wvbep.org/bep/uc/cinfo.htm for additional information.
Job Seeking and Re-Employment Assistance
Nationwide job openings, resume writing and internet access are available in the Resource Center at each of our WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers. Individual employment counseling, Job Search Workshops and interviewing preperation are just a few of the many free services avalible at the career centers.For a location nearest you click on “One Stop Career Centers”above.
Skills Upgrading / Training
If needed, referrals may be made to the Adult Learning Center to upgrade basic skills and assistance in obtaining a High School Equivalency before entering the workforce or occupational training. For a location nearest you click on”One Stop Career Centers” above. Other links https://wvde.state.wv.us/abe/ also www.advantageged.com
Coal Related Industry Layoffs
Individuals who are laid off from a coal related industry such as coal mines, machine shops, coal trucking, may be referred to your local Workforce Advisor and the UMWA Career Center for additional assistance. For a location nearest you click on “One Stop Career Centers” above.
Tuition Assistance / Financial Aid
Workforce Advisers have the tools necessary to determine potential eligibility for the following funding sources: PELL Grants, Scholarships, Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), Trade Act Assistance (TAA) or other alternative funding. For a location nearest you click on “One Stop Career Centers”above.
Financial and Credit Counseling
Contact information is available at each of our WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers to anyone seeking credit counseling. For a location nearest you click on “One Stop Career Centers”above.
Healthcare Assistance
Healthcare and contact information are available in our Resource Center at each WORKFORCE West Virginia Career Centers.
Child Care Assistance
Contact information is available at our WORKFORCE West Virginia career centers on eligibility requirements for child care assistance. For a location nearest you click on “One Stop Career Centers”above.
Rehabilitation Services
Provides services to people with disabilities to assist them in preparation for and in obtaining appropriate employment. They offer vocational evaluations to help a person decide on a job goal, training and other needed services to help a person prepare for work. When a person is ready for employment WVDRS provides assistance in locating employment in the chosen vocational goal. For a location nearest you click on “One Stop Career Centers”above. You may also call 1-800-642-8207
Skills Assessment
Region 1 uses WorkKeys as our assessment tool in giving individuals reliable and relevant information about their workplace skill. Using WorkKeys unique job profiling component along with the assessments, we are able to show how a person’s skills compare to a specific job requirements.
For additional information visit their website: www.act.org/workkeys/index.html
Individual Training Accounts (WIOA Scholarships) are available through an application process for individuals who may qualify. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act -ITA Program offers: up to $5,000 for tuition, books, fees, uniforms, etc.; up to 30 months of training depending on choice of training program, and; possible $50.00- $100.00 stipend per week paid directly to participant.
For additional information on this program, please contact the Region 1 office at 304-253-3611.
The Connections Program is designed to assist participants from the ages of 16-24 reach their fullest potential! We offer mentoring, workshops on how to be successful in the workplace as well as the classroom, exposure to cultural events, and paid work experiences! We work very closely with the Adult Education Center as well as several other partners to help insure that our participants are ready for the workforce. Contact 304.253.5500 for more information!
