Workforce Unhinged

This episode features an interview with Joy Canterbury, WV Job Corps Admissions Counselor, as she reveals the mission of Job Corps and who is eligible. Discover the benefits of Job Corps for youth, employers, and the community. Joy also discusses how and why Job Corps partners with the workforce system.

In this episode, you'll hear from Jessica Casto, National Health Grant Career Advocate for Human Resource Development Foundation (HRDF) as she discusses the work she does with the National Health Grant. Discover who is eligible, and hear about Jessica's own success story as a grant recipient.

Elaine Opper, Medical Lab Technician at Genesis Health Care, joins the program to discuss her career, how she came to connect with the workforce system, and how the workforce services she received helped her launch her career. She also reveals why people should consider a career in healthcare, and the crucial role that the behind-the-scenes medical personnel play in the healthcare system.

Dr. Torie Jackson, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, joins the program to discuss how WVUP supports area businesses, and helps develop a talent pipeline in the region. Dr. Jackson also reveals some investments that WVUP has made to help train students in digital media.

Kurt Knopp, Account Executive, Workforce and Economic Development Division at West Virginia University Parkersburg, joins the program to discuss how his division often partners with local government workforce and economic development agencies on efforts to upskill local workers and provide training resources for business and industry.

Lisa Doyle-Parsons, Executive Director of the Circles Campaign of the Mid-Ohio Valley, Inc, joins the program to discuss how being an AJC partner has helped in serving their population. You'll also discover how the Circles model combines best practices in several disciplines including community organizing, coaching, grassroots leadership, SMART goal setting, financial literacy, mentoring, peer-to-peer counseling and learning, as well as child/youth development.

Jennifer Randolph, Apprenticeship Coordinator – AIM Grant for the Central Region West Virginia Council for Community and Technical College Education, joins the program to discuss the AIM Grant and how they are using apprenticeships to help build a skilled information technology (IT) workforce. Discover the benefits of the program for job seekers and business, eligibility requirements, and how to learn more.

Melissa Morrison, transition agent at Jobs & Hope West Virginia, joins the program to discuss how her organization helps individuals in recovery from substance abuse, as well as job seekers with other barriers to employment, find meaningful work. She also reveals the importance of partnering with the workforce system.

Amber Smith, the Adult Education Student of the Year, joins the podcast to discuss her experience in the adult education program. Amber shares her career goals and what motivated her to return to school, and reveals what it takes to succeed in the program.

In this episode, you'll hear from Martha Leeson, WVUP Program Coordinator, and Wendy Ketelsen, WCCC Fin. Aid/Student Services Coordinator as they reveal the training opportunities available at their schools. Discover some of the most in-demand training opportunities, some common misconceptions about post-secondary education, and the various resources that are available to help students succeed.