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

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024.

The tiny mountain town of Davis packs in a lot of adventure, not to mention charm…Generation WV’s leadership development program helps young professionals gain confidence in their skills…and, also from Generation WV, the Career Connector helps employers find more qualified talent in the Mountain State…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From OUTSIDE – Davis, West Virginia, sits on the northern rim of Canaan Valley roughly 2.5 hours west of Washington, D.C. It’s surrounded by 4,000-foot peaks, most managed as public land, and hubs for hiking, biking, and skiing. But Davis’s best attribute? It’s full of people stoked to be here.

With a population of only 581, you wouldn’t think there’d be much to do. But the few restaurants are great for such a small town, there’s a proud beer scene, and access to outdoor adventure is off the charts due to its proximity to two state parks and a national forest.

Just ask Ian Beckner, a Davis native who moved away for college, then bounced around to other mountain towns before settling back in Davis to open a ski shop.

“There’s just so much here—so many trails, such good skiing,” he says. “Once you’re here, you don’t leave. I can’t tell you the last time I drove more than an hour away.”

Read more:

https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/davis-west-virginia/

#2 – From GENERATION WV – The GWV Fellowship is a 9-month leadership development program that offers in-depth personal and professional development. 

Through this program, young professionals will not only gain confidence in their professional skills, but they will also be better equipped to be a leader in their company and community.

Visit GenerationWV.org to view the curriculum overview and apply.

Read more:

https://generationwv.org/our-work/fellowship/

#3 – From JOBCASE –  The Generation West Virginia Career Connector program offers two ways for employers to connect with more qualified talent around the state: through its job board and Generational Talent Search recruitment services.

The career connector job board is a free service for any West Virginia company looking to expand their team or fill open roles. To post a job, companies can reach out to the career connector team by providing a copy of the job description, salary range, and high quality logo.

The Generational Talent Search program is a talent recruitment service that helps West Virginia employers connect with top talent through a streamlined and efficient approach. 

Learn more:

https://www.jobcase.com/articles/wv-career-connector-hiring

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.

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

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024 

Spend Christmas at Blackwater Falls as the longest sled run on the East Coast opens for the season…treat that special someone to an elegant night out at one of West Virginia’s most romantic restaurants…and the verdict is in: West Virginians prefer to decorate their homes with real Christmas trees--find out where you can choose and cut your own…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY-TV – The longest sled run on the East Coast is scheduled to open for the year just in time for Christmas.

The sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park is a quarter-mile long—one of the longest in the country, but the big draw is that a “wonder carpet” or small conveyer, takes sledders to the top of the hill so they don’t have to walk up it.

The first day the sled run will operate this season is on Saturday, Dec. 21. By that time, multiple ski slopes in the Davis area will also be open, giving adventure seeking options for winter recreation activities in Tucker County.

Visit wvstateparks.com to purchase sled run tickets or reserve lodging at Blackwater Falls.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/tucker/east-coasts-longest-sled-run-in-west-virginia-opens-christmas-week/

#2 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – Heading to a warmly lit, cozy restaurant with that special someone is an amazing treat. The ambiance of a meal at an upscale restaurant just can't be beaten, and it's a wonderful way to put the spark back into a relationship. 

Don't fall into the trap of saving a fancy dinner out for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries: every day is worth celebrating with your significant other. If you're looking for the best romantic restaurants in West Virginia, check out this list of some of our favorite spots in Charleston, Huntington, Wheeling and Lost River. Bon appetit!

Read more:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/food/west-virginia/candlelit-restaurants-wv-cozy-night-out

#3 – From WBOY-TV – According to a recent survey by Online Casinos, West Virginia is one of the 32 states that prefers a real (live) Christmas tree, compared to only 18 that favor fake trees. 

The lean toward the real thing is no surprise for West Virginia, considering its long history of timbering and number of Christmas tree farms. In fact, West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest supplied the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree last year, and West Virginians can cut their own tree from the Mon Forest for only $5.

If you don’t live near the Mon Forest, there are plenty of tree farms throughout West Virginia where you can select and cut your own tree. Check out the West Virginia Division of Forestry’s 2024 guide to Choose and Cut Christmas Trees and get ready for a truly memorable holiday.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/do-west-virginians-prefer-real-or-fake-christmas-trees/

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.

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

Today is Monday, Dec. 16, 2024 

Stargazers flock to West Virginia’s dark skies for prime night sky viewing…Marshall University hosts a First Generation College Celebration for incoming students…and four more manufacturers join the Apprenticeship Works initiative offered through Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – West Virginia is becoming a premier destination for East Coast sky watchers, thanks to its low light pollution and proximity to major U.S. cities.

The opportunity to live far from city lights but within a drive of a few hours of large metro areas is also attracting new residents.

Night in some parts of West Virginia is so star-spangled that it may seem pre-industrial, says astronomer David Buhrman, who tours the region with telescopes, leading educational programs and advocating for the value of starlight.

Buhrman operates an observation area, a “dark site” in northern Greenbrier County.

Visit wvtourism.com/stars to learn more about where you can see the stars in Almost Heaven.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/11/29/pre-industrial-nights-sky-over-wv/

#2 – From WV PUBLIC –Marshall University recently joined many other schools across the country in the annual First Generation College Celebration.

Up to two thirds of Marshall’s 12,019 students identify as first gen, which means coming from a family where neither parent completed a four year degree.  

Among Marshall’s many first gen support initiatives is a first generation directory, listing many faculty and staff who were first gen students. 

Dr. Marybeth Beller is on that first gen faculty list. The political science professor got emotional remembering her single mother, working as an office secretary, acting upon her vow to ensure her three daughters went to college.

Beller said today’s Marshall’s first gen students have something she somewhat lacked in school: a vast and varied support network.

“It is absolutely amazing to me to learn about the wealth of opportunities that we have in terms of student services, not just in tutoring, but in support services to help guide our students and show them the ropes,” she said.

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/mu-enrollment-laden-with-first-generation-students/

#3 – From MFG MARSHALL – Four additional West Virginia manufacturers have joined the ever-increasing number of U.S. companies leveraging the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center’s Apprenticeship Works initiative to tackle pressing workforce challenges.

Felman Production of Letart, Klockner Pentaplast of Beaver, Mull Group of Benwood and Steel of West Virginia of Huntington are the latest Mountain State companies to establish apprenticeships in such occupations as CNC machinist, quality control technician and electrician – maintenance through Apprenticeship Works.

Funded entirely by the U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship Works assists manufacturers in establishing and maintaining DOL-registered apprenticeships in high-demand industrial occupations – at no cost to employers.

To learn more about how Apprenticeship Works can help meet your manufacturing company’s workforce needs, visit www.mfg.marshall.edu/apprenticeships

Read more:

https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/wv-manufacturers-turn-to-apprenticeship-to-develop-skilled-talent/

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.

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

Today is Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024 

West Virginia University’s new folklife exhibit explores cultural connections past and present…discover that perfect Hallmark holiday town, right here in Almost Heaven…and WV School of Osteopathic Medicine awards its first two The Health Plan scholarships…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV PUBLIC – The term “folklife” can evoke the sounds of fiddles and banjoes, or black and white images of grandparents on the old family farm. And those can both be true. 

But an exhibit at West Virginia University invites the public to explore how the traditional still influences us today — and how new traditions might influence tomorrow.

Catherine Rakowski is the research and exhibition specialist for the West Virginia and Regional History Center at WVU in Morgantown. The center is displaying a piece of folk art she wasn’t sure she would ever get a chance to show off to the public -- a friendship quilt.

Rakowski said it’s one of her favorites, and with good reason: Some 20 hand-embroidered squares, each containing a floral design, and more importantly the name of its maker, are bordered with pink and white fabric borders. 

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/folklife-exhibit-explores-cultural-connections-past-and-present/

#2 – From WV LIVING – When temperatures drop, people around the globe reach for the remote to find feel-good movies with loveable leads that are up to holiday hijinks. But more important than the protagonists are their settings: the stunning small towns the characters get to call home.

West Virginia is full of such places, small towns overflowing with charm and holiday spirit. From extravagant parades and light shows to beautifully decorated homes and festivals that allow you to step back in time, a walk through these picture-perfect places will warm the heart of the most stubborn scrooge.

Check out holiday happenings in Harpers Ferry, Elkins, Bramwell and other small towns in Almost Heaven.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/picture-perfect-holiday-towns/

#3 – From THE REAL WV – Two West Virginia natives are attending medical school at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine without the burden of tuition and fees, thanks to a medical scholarship program offered by The Health Plan.

WVSOM first-year students Sarah Lester of McDowell County, and Emma Beatty, a native of Clay County now living in Wetzel County, have been awarded The Health Plan Scholarship, which covers tuition and fees and is renewable for four years, allowing the students to graduate medical school without worrying about those costs. 

Since 2009, The Health Plan Scholarship program has provided more than $3 million in scholarships to more than 50 medical and nursing students who intend to stay and practice in the state of West Virginia. The need-based program is also available to medical and nursing students at West Virginia University and Marshall University.

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2024/11/08/the-health-plans-medical-scholarships-help-two-wvsom-students-stay-in-west-virginia-to-practice/

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.

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

Today is Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 

A high school athlete may have lost her race, but she wins at life after helping out another runner in distress…a Putnam County music teacher’s creative approach to learning earns him the title of West Virginia’s 2025 Teacher of the Year…and Wheeling’s “Food for Fines” cancels parking violations for residents in exchange for a food donation…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE REAL WV – Olivia Alexander is a freshman runner for Musselman High School. She traveled five hours from her home in Inwood to compete in the State Cross Country Championship.

After training for months with her teammates and overcoming an injury early in the season, she didn’t place. She didn’t even finish. She accomplished something much more. 

One mile into the 5K race for the state title, Olivia saw Neena. The two runners had never met. All Olivia knew was what she saw–a girl in distress. And even though it was in the middle of the biggest race of her life, she stopped to help.

Her Good Samaritan deed earned her praise from Neena, the coaches and other supporters. Check out the full story at the link!

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2024/12/03/freshman-runner-stops-race-to-help-competitor/

#2 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL – When students walk into Seth Skiles’ classroom at Rock Branch Elementary School in Nitro, they know they’re in for something special.

Instead of sheet music or instruments, Skiles brought in pre-cut pastry dough and baked crescent rolls while teaching about Thanksgiving traditions.

Students and staff said this kind of creative, hands-on lesson is just another day in Skiles’ general music class. His engaging and multifaceted teaching style recently earned him the title of West Virginia’s 2025 Teacher of the Year.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/education/rock-branch-s-maestro-creative-music-instructor-named-wv-teacher-of-the-year/article_4c7c52e8-a065-11ef-800a-a3598d22241e.html

#3 – From WTRF-TV – In the spirit of the holiday season, the City of Wheeling is once again offering its popular “Food for Fines” initiative, allowing residents to donate non-perishable food, cleaning supplies, or personal hygiene items in lieu of paying $10 fines for overtime parking violations.

Donations will be distributed to local non-profit organizations to benefit community members in need.

Mayor Denny Magruder expressed pride in the initiative’s success, noting the impact it has had on local food pantries over the years.

“This initiative reflects the holiday spirit of giving and helps provide additional support to those in need. While no one enjoys getting a parking ticket, this program offers an opportunity to make something meaningful out of it,” he said.

The “Food for Fines” program will apply to citations issued between Dec. 1, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025. Donations must be brought to the City’s finance department, where parking fines are typically paid.

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/ohio-county/wheeling-bringing-back-food-for-fines-program/

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.

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

Today is Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 

A new land acquisition will help preserve wetlands as well as create more recreational trails in Tucker County…South Charleston officials reveal plans to replace its community center with a new wellness center and coliseum…and complete your holiday shopping with help from a list of WV-based gift ideas…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY-TV – The Nature Conservancy has acquired 1,393 acres in Tucker County that will help preserve one of the largest wetlands in Central Appalachia as well as create 80 miles of connecting recreational trails in the area.

The Dobbins Slashing Preserve will allow the conservancy to preserve the largest intact peatland wetland in Dolly Sods and the headwaters of the Red Creek. It will also help the organization continue its goal of slowing climate change and biodiversity loss.

Because the preserve is located between the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area and the Canaan Valley Wildlife Refuge, the purchase will also allow for expanded recreation in the area. The conservancy plans to add additional trails that connect existing ones in Dolly Sods and Canaan Valley.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/tucker/land-between-canaan-valley-and-dolly-sods-turned-into-new-preserve/

#2 – From WCHS-TV – City officials are working to replace the South Charleston Community Center with a new wellness center and coliseum.

South Charleston Mayor Frank Mullens said both facilities will be built in the same place but that location has yet to be decided.

The city is looking at multiple sites between 14 to 16 acres for the project and will partner with ZMM Architects and Engineers. Officials estimate planning will take 12 to 18 months.

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/south-charleston-city-officials-planning-new-wellness-center-and-coliseum#

#3 – From WBOY-TV –  Some people just don’t need another physical gift, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get them something that they can enjoy. The folks at WBOY-TV Clarksburg have put together a few gift ideas for West Virginians or West Virginia-lovers who seem like they already have everything.

There’s something for everyone on this list, which includes locally grown produce and products, West Virginia Parks experiences, one-of-a-kind adventures and even a lifetime of recreation. Check it out!

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/only-on-wboy-com/wboy-com-lists-and-rankings/what-to-get-the-west-virginian-in-your-life-who-has-everything/

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.

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

Today is Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024 

Make your holiday shopping easy with a gift they’re sure to love from the WV State Parks online shop…WVU launches a new scholarship for elementary education majors…and get in a festive mood with fun seasonal activities at West Virginia state parks--from holiday lights to Breakfast with Santa…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – Show your love for Almost Heaven with a gift this holiday season from West Virginia State Parks. Visit shopwvstateparks.com to shop the parks store for everyone on your list. You’ll find a wide range of products to fit any budget -- from hoodies to water bottles to stickers. And if you can’t decide what to get, there’s even an option to purchase a state parks gift card.

Read more:

https://shopwvstateparks.com/

#2 – From LOOTPRESS – West Virginia State University has unveiled a transformative five-year scholarship program for elementary education majors, made possible by a generous $500,000 pledge from the John and Ruth McGee Foundation. The funding, spread over five years at $100,000 annually, aims to alleviate financial barriers for high-need students pursuing teaching careers in the Mountain State.

Priority will be given to students committed to teaching in West Virginia’s public schools after graduation, further addressing the state’s need for skilled educators.

For more information about the McGee Foundation Scholarship program, prospective students are encouraged to contact WVSU’s College of Professional Studies.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/west-virginia-state-university-announces-500000-mcgee-foundation-scholarship-for-aspiring-teachers/

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – West Virginia State Parks offer a variety of holiday traditions that showcase the best of the season. From festive meals and cozy gatherings to special events for the whole family, the state’s beautiful parks provide a perfect setting for celebrating. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a holiday getaway or simply take part in a unique local tradition, these events across our parks are sure to make your season brighter.

From Breakfast with Santa to Christmas Shopping to Holiday Lights, there’s something for everyone on your entertainment list!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/add-these-festive-west-virginia-state-parks-adventures-to-your-holiday-bucket-list/

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.

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we talk to Jackson Igo about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program with the West Virginia Office of Energy. 

Learn how this program is offering grants to local governments and nonprofits across the state to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use. We discuss eligibility requirements, funding opportunities, and the types of projects that qualify for this exciting initiative. This is your chance to hear how West Virginia is investing in sustainable solutions for businesses and communities.

For more information visit the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website: https://energywv.org/

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

Today is Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 

Harrison County offers a hybrid Master Gardener training class beginning next month…learn why more and more IT companies are saying #YesWV…and Peak Living launches a service to assist Kanawha Valley veterans…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CONNECT BRIDGEPORT – WVU Extension is once again offering a hybrid Master Gardener training class starting Jan. 6.

Specific to Harrison County, participants will have the opportunity to interact face-to-face with other Harrison County Master Gardeners and fellow trainees through additional in-person training. 

Participants in the program will have the opportunity to learn more about gardening and horticulture in areas such as plant propagation, garden animals, pest management, composting, among many others.

To sign up, contact your local WVU Extension Office. The registration deadline in Harrison County is Dec. 23.

 Read more:

https://www.connect-bridgeport.com/connect.cfm?func=view§ion=Community&item=WVU-Extension-to-Offer-Hybrid-Master-Gardener-Training-Classes-in-January57519

#2 – From WV DED – Information and technology services is an emerging industry in West Virginia. This growing cluster of researchers and practitioners includes university research facilities, government agencies and commercial enterprises.

In fact, the concentration of IT services, specifically our leading biometric organizations in north-central West Virginia, has been called the “Silicon Valley of America’s biometrics activity.”

These strengths, combined with our state’s skilled workforce, low cost of doing business and high quality of life make West Virginia a great place to relocate, invest and expand.

Visit the West Virginia Department of Economic Development online to learn more about the many IT companies that have said #YesWV.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/information-technology/

#3 – From METRO NEWS – Peak Living Services has launched their Adopt a Veteran program this year. Peak is a non-profit organization that is aiming to end homelessness in the Kanawha Valley.

The program will connect community members to a veteran who is in need of assistance. Additionally, businesses and organizations can choose to Adopt a Veteran and sponsor the essential services that they need.

Once people donate, they will be kept up to date on their veteran, according to Director of Fund Development Alex Mahaffey.

“Then they can see the impact afterwards,” Mahaffey said. “So, they’ll get updates on how that funding was used and what impact it had on the local veterans that it’s helping to support.”

Those wishing to donate can go to Peak’s website and click on the Adopt a Vet tab.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/12/02/peak-living-services-set-to-launch-adopt-a-veteran-program/

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.

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

Today is Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024 

A Wheeling manufacturer teams up with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center to offer journeyman apprenticeships to its employees…learn how the Apprenticeship in Motion program can benefit your West Virginia-based business…and artisans share their expertise through the Folklife Apprenticeship Program…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – Employees of the Mull Group in Wheeling can now become certified journeymen in the company’s new apprenticeship program created in collaboration with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center.

The Mull Group is the first manufacturing company in the Ohio Valley to offer a certified journeyman apprenticeship program. Employees can enter the program to become certified computer numerical control machinists or quality control technicians.

James Mull, president and CEO of The Mull Group, said the program would differ from the company’s in-house apprenticeships in that employees will now be certified CNC machinists or quality control technicians through the U.S. Department of Labor upon program completion.

“Apprentices typically make $23.60 an hour while journeymen can make over $33 to $34 an hour. Just by having that paper, they’re verifying they’re a true journeyman.”

Mull aims to eventually have the company’s more than 100 employees complete the certification.

Read more:

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2024/11/the-mull-group-launches-certified-apprenticeship-program/

#2 – From WV DED – The Apprenticeship In Motion program promotes and expands registered, nontraditional apprenticeship activity in the Mountain State. This collaborative group of partners identifies, standardizes and develops courses that are needed statewide in order to increase and improve the registered apprenticeship programs within West Virginia.

The AIM program provides a host of benefits to both businesses and individuals in West Virginia.

Companies develop apprenticeships (courses & on-the-job-training) specific to their unique needs. AIM connects these companies to resources for developing a quality workforce, and also assists with obtaining training dollar and methods to recruit, upskill and retain employees.

Check out the West Virginia Department of Economic Development online to learn more.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/incentives-and-programs/apprenticeship-in-motion/

#3 – From WV NEWS – Ten pairs have been selected to participate in the 2024-25 West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program.

The program celebrates and supports traditional artists in passing on cultural knowledge, stories and techniques to their apprentices.

The one-to-one study allows dedicated apprentices to learn from recognized experts in their traditional art forms and better understand their communities and history.

Hosted biennially since 2016, the program has increased in size over four rounds. These 10 pairs from across the Mountain State are carrying on important traditions in old-time music, fiber arts, storytelling and more.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/2024-25-west-virginia-folklife-apprenticeship-participants-announced/article_ac462a50-b249-11ef-a2c8-97be655a5bfb.html

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.