CHARLESTON, W.Va. –
The West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) and West Virginia Military Authority’s (WVMA) courses offered through the first four months of the Jobs & Hope West Virginia program have been successful in improving economic and employment options for citizens working through addiction, as well as providing a trained workforce for employers around the state.
Jobs & Hope West Virginia is the result of the concept brought forth by Gov. Jim Justice during his 2019 State of the State address, to remove barriers to job opportunities for those recovering from addiction and others seeking training. Since the program’s launch in October, there have been 21 graduates of the WVNG Equipment Operator Course, conducted at Camp Dawson. The Equipment Operator Course offers students valuable knowledge concerning heavy equipment in order to enhance their skills and make them marketable to companies seeking employees with this experience.
“Any time we need to step up and help our neighbors in one way or another, our West Virginia National Guard is always there to answer the call, and their tireless support of the Jobs & Hope program is no different,” Gov. Justice said. “Together, we are providing pathways to meaningful opportunities for our fellow West Virginians who, in the past, may have had a tough time changing their circumstances on their own.”
Of the 21 graduates, 15 are now employed and two are in the interview process with Jobs & Hope West Virginia partners. The remaining four are unemployed and continue to be given assistance with finding employment.
Established by Gov. Justice and the West Virginia Legislature with $29.7 million in funding for its first year, Jobs & Hope West Virginia offers beginning-to-end support through a statewide collaboration of agencies.
“We are so proud that, with the vision and leadership of Governor Justice, we’ve been able to be a part of a program that is genuinely making a difference in our community,” said Maj. Gen. James Hoyer, WVNG Adjutant General. “We are invested in keeping this state a healthy place to stay and build a good life. This program continues to showcase the importance of state-wide collaboration and partnerships between government, public and private sectors to ensure success for all West Virginians.”
The WVNG and Jobs & Hope West Virginia’s partnership with the Contractors Association of West Virginia (CAWV) and the West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) have opened interview opportunities during the courses that have led to the hiring of course graduates. The WVDOT seeks to fill transportation worker positions and have expressed interest in hiring program graduates.
"The Jobs & Hope program breaks the cycle of addiction and other barriers which, historically, have stopped West Virginians from being able to fill these kinds of jobs vacancies,” said Hoyer. “Filling the vacancies we have is a critical early step in attracting new businesses and industry, which benefits us all."
The WVNG also conducts greenhouse technician courses, working with businesses to identify workforce requirements to train Jobs & Hope participants to meet those needs. The first greenhouse technician course began Thursday, Feb. 27, with eight students. Business partners have identified 10 positions they are seeking to fill that require the skills taught in the course.
A new partnership with the West Virginia Nursery and Landscapers Association (WVNLA) has led to the creation of a landscape technician course. Graduates are in demand and the WNLA members plan to visit upcoming courses and interview Jobs & Hope West Virginia students.
“The work our Patriot Guardens and Jobs & Hope West Virginia programs have done to not only support a healthy lifestyle but grow the workforce for the agriculture sector in West Virginia is amazing,” Hoyer said. "We are proud to be part of the Jobs & Hope West Virginia team and are thankful for the support of Governor Justice as well as those we have partnered with to both improve the courses we instruct and assist in employment opportunities."
Four Jobs & Hope West Virginia classes conducted by the WVNG are beginning in the next two months, continuing the success of the program.
Since the inception of Jobs & Hope West Virginia, transition agents have reported more than 900 active participants, of which 192 are employed as a result of the program, 129 are currently enrolled in a school or training program and nearly 100 people have had their driver’s license reinstated or have a stay granted by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
For more information on the Jobs & Hope West Virginia program, visit https://jobsandhope.wv.gov/