Education / Training
Well-funded and focused on relevant skills.
Donna Van Metre, director of JRTI, outlines the regional collaboration for workforce development.
Jefferson County believes that a competitive workforce is built on a strong foundation. In 2020 the county passed a $43.5 million bond issue for two new elementary schools and other important improvements. And as we’re opening new schools, we’re also opening opportunities for students still in high school through dual enrollment at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, and for area industry through an aligned talent pipeline producing a workforce equipped with relevant skills.
Our pipeline is supported by the state of West Virginia and by local training partners, all committed to producing a workforce of the future. That begins with West Virginia’s efforts in lowering or underwriting the cost of high school and post-high school training and education through a variety of innovative financial tools and incentives, including:
The SMART program allows families to save for post-high school education, whether at two- or four-year colleges, accredited technical and vocational schools or graduate school. SMART investments accumulate tax-free and distributions are tax-exempt when used for eligible education purposes, which can include tuition, room and board, books, equipment and supplies.
Created for students in specific high-demand fields, the West Virginia Invests program pays for a range of educational expenses, including tuition, mandatory fees and academic program fees.
Open to eligible young people ages 16 to 24, the Job Scholars program is authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps to provide tuition-free job preparation assistance including coursework, hands-on training through on-the-job experience, apprenticeships and more.
SMART529®: West Virginia’s tax-advantaged education savings plan
The SMART program allows families to save for post-high school education, whether at two- or four-year colleges, accredited technical and vocational schools or graduate school. SMART investments accumulate tax-free and distributions are tax-exempt when used for eligible education purposes, which can include tuition, room and board, books, equipment and supplies.
West Virginia Invests: A last-dollar-in financial aid program
Created for students in specific high-demand fields, the West Virginia Invests program pays for a range of educational expenses, including tuition, mandatory fees and academic program fees.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College Job Scholars: Learn and earn
Open to eligible young people ages 16 to 24, the Job Scholars program is authorized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps to provide tuition-free job preparation assistance including coursework, hands-on training through on-the-job experience, apprenticeships and more.
Curriculum and delivery are a second key component of Jefferson County’s powerful talent pipeline, provided by partners including:
A powerful collaborative partner for area business and industry, Blue Ridge CTC closely tracks the rapidly evolving needs of the global and national markets, producing curriculum that is responsive to those needs in associate degree, certificate and certification programs that offer graduates recognized industry credentials. Custom training is available across a variety of areas, ranging from technical and safety training to automation to management and leadership training to OSHA Certificates.
For more than 40 years, JRTI has served as a powerful connection point between area industry and prospective workers in both adult and high school programming. To assure the most responsive and aligned curriculum, JRTI services include the Craft Advisory Committees, Business Partnerships and Local School Improvement Councils. To assure the most seamless transitions for students moving into the workplace, JRTI provides classroom learning in job simulation environments while also offering on-site clinical experiences and apprenticeships.
Founded 150 years ago, this four-year public liberal arts university has deep roots in Jefferson County as a vital place of learning and vibrant community asset. The University offers graduate programs as well as more than 100 different academic undergraduate programs in five different areas including arts and humanities; nursing, business, education and health sciences; science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Shepherd University is also an endlessly rewarding community resource, home to the Contemporary American Theatre Festival, the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, and exciting NCAA Division II athletics.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College: Training that is aligned to area needs, customized to company specs.
A powerful collaborative partner for area business and industry, Blue Ridge CTC closely tracks the rapidly evolving needs of the global and national markets, producing curriculum that is responsive to those needs in associate degree, certificate and certification programs that offer graduates recognized industry credentials. Custom training is available across a variety of areas, ranging from technical and safety training to automation to management and leadership training to OSHA Certificates.
James Rumsey Technical Institute: On-the-job training even in the classroom.
For more than 40 years, JRTI has served as a powerful connection point between area industry and prospective workers in both adult and high school programming. To assure the most responsive and aligned curriculum, JRTI services include the Craft Advisory Committees, Business Partnerships and Local School Improvement Councils. To assure the most seamless transitions for students moving into the workplace, JRTI provides classroom learning in job simulation environments while also offering on-site clinical experiences and apprenticeships.
Shepherd University: Expanding knowledge and skills. Enhancing community life.
Founded 150 years ago, this four-year public liberal arts university has deep roots in Jefferson County as a vital place of learning and vibrant community asset. The University offers graduate programs as well as more than 100 different academic undergraduate programs in five different areas including arts and humanities; nursing, business, education and health sciences; science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Shepherd University is also an endlessly rewarding community resource, home to the Contemporary American Theatre Festival, the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War, and exciting NCAA Division II athletics.
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