CHARESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that the second class of students to complete a job training course through the State’s new multiagency recovery and training program, Jobs & Hope West Virginia, graduated today.
Six program participants spent a week at Camp Dawson in Kingwood, WV, completing a 54-hour Heavy Equipment Operator Course taught by instructors with the West Virginia National Guard.
"When I launched the Jobs & Hope West Virginia program, I said that if we gave everyone a real, honest-to-goodness chance to get quality training for a great job, our people would take that chance, run with it, and succeed with flying colors," said Gov. Justice. "And that’s exactly what these students have done! Not only am I excited beyond belief that they will soon be able to join our talented workforce, I’m also thrilled that their success will serve as an inspiration for other West Virginians to be the next to take advantage of this incredible opportunity for personal betterment."
Launched statewide in October by Gov. Justice, Jobs & Hope West Virginia offers support through a statewide collaboration of agencies that provide West Virginians in need the opportunity to obtain career training and to ultimately secure meaningful employment.
Throughout the duration of the Heavy Equipment Operator Course, students gained valuable knowledge on the operation of road graders, excavators, and skid steers in order to enhance their skill set and make them marketable to companies seeking employees with experience in this particular heavy equipment operation.
Students will be afforded an opportunity to return for future courses on other heavy equipment pieces and, in the meantime, are actively being connected with job opportunities.
Assistance through the Jobs & Hope program is available to both those battling substance use disorder, as well as individuals merely seeking a pathway to more meaningful employment through job training, obtaining certifications, or other types of education.
The courses are free to participants, with food and housing available where necessary. Participants work alongside dedicated transition agents to determine the options and services that would be of most use to them.