Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.

Today is Tuesday, October 28, 2025.

#1 – From 4T ACADEMY - 4T Academy Opens Hand-On Pathway to Manufacturing Careers

The 4T Academy offers West Virginia high school juniors and seniors an immersive education program that blends academic coursework with paid on-the-job experience. Partners like Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia help students develop advanced manufacturing skills — from robotics and automation to precision machining — while earning a wage during their senior year. Programs like this are helping West Virginia retain talent, build local workforce strength, and offer meaningful alternatives to the traditional four-year college route.

Read more: https://4tacademy.com/west-virginia/

#2 – From MAMC - Mull Group and Marshall AM Center Expand Apprenticeship Opportunities

The Mull Group has partnered with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center to launch certified apprenticeship tracks, including CNC machinist and quality-control technician roles. Participants earn credentials recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor while gaining real-world experience — positioning West Virginians for advanced manufacturing careers in-state. This collaboration exemplifies how business, education, and workforce development are aligning to meet the growing demands of 21st-century industry.

Read more: https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/mull-group-building-skilled-workforce-through-apprenticeships

#3 – From WESTVIRGINIA.GOV - Ziegenfelder: From Wheeling Candy Maker to National Frozen-Treat Leader

Founded in 1861 in Wheeling, the Ziegenfelder Company has grown into one of America's largest producers of ice-pops — all while keeping its headquarters and core operations in West Virginia. The company emphasizes inclusive hiring, second-chance employment, and the idea that business success and community commitment can go hand in hand. Ziegenfelder's journey shows that local roots and global reach can coexist — and that West Virginia remains a place where manufacturing, innovation, and opportunity thrive.

Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/ziegenfelder-a-sweet-success-story-in-west-virginia

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.

That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.