Workforce Unhinged

In this episode, you'll hear from Madison Haynes, a participant in the Youth WIOA Career Connections program. Madison shares her inspiring story of overcoming health challenges that forced her out of public school and into homeschooling at a young age. With the help of adult education and the Career Connections program, she earned her GED and gained valuable work experience through a temporary office job. Madison also discusses the support she received from the workforce system and offers advice for others considering accessing these services to make positive changes in their lives.

Discover the power of collaboration between workforce programs and employers in this insightful podcast episode. Learn how Consumer Credit Counseling, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people achieve financial independence, successfully partnered with the workforce system to create a new position and provide opportunities for a dislocated worker. Explore the benefits of this partnership, from financial assistance for the employer to personal and professional growth for the employee. Gain valuable insights into the process of working with workforce boards and the positive impact it can have on both businesses and job seekers.

Learn about an innovative partnership between the Civil-Military Innovation Institute (CMI2) and the Career Connections Youth Program that is providing hands-on engineering experience to high school students. Hear perspectives from both students and managers on the mutually beneficial arrangement that allows young people to get real-world technical skills with technologies like drones and 3D printers, while also assisting the organization with fresh ideas. Whether participants stay on or move into other fields, they gain problem-solving abilities, leadership competencies, and the confidence to take advantage of opportunities. To learn more, visit: www.cmi2.org

Tune in for a conversation with Brianna Collins, a former job seeker who turned her life around through the help of Jobs and Hope and the local Workforce Board. Brianna describes her struggles with addiction, incarceration, and losing custody of her son. After a traumatic arrest on her birthday in 2021, Brianna got sober and started rebuilding - first through a job provided by Jobs and Hope, then by taking classes to become a certified peer recovery support specialist. With financial and moral support from the Workforce Board, Brianna now works at Harmony Ridge helping other recovering addicts. 

In this episode, you'll hear from Glenn Rogers, as he shares his journey, which included living on the streets and battling addiction after a devastating accident that left him with a broken body and spirit. With the support of organizations like Jobs for Hope and the workforce system, Glenn's determination and faith propelled him toward recovery and a newfound sense of purpose. Tune in to hear how Glenn's unwavering resilience, coupled with the guidance of these crucial support networks, led him to rebuild his life, overcome challenges, and find success in unexpected places.

In this episode, you'll meet Jamie Persinger, as she shares her success story of overcoming addiction and finding meaningful employment, with the help of the Workforce Development Board of the Mid-Ohio Valley and Jobs and Hope. Jamie shares her career journey and shares advice for anyone looking to improve their lives. 

Scott Hupp, Safety Coordinator for Alrec LLC, joins the program to discuss how his organization is utilizing VR (virtual reality) technology, in partnership with the Workforce Development Board of the Mid-Ohio Valley and the benefits that they have noticed so far. Discover how Alrec is using the VR technology to prepare employees for their jobs and shares advice for other employers or organizations who may be considering utilizing VR technology.     

Jason Bailey, Director of Rehabilitation Services for SW Resources, joins the program to discuss how his organization has partnered with the Workforce Development Board of the Mid-Ohio Valley and how SW Resources is utilizing VR (virtual reality) technology in their business. Jason reveals the benefits that SW Resources has experienced utilizing VR technology. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the incumbent worker program and how the Workforce Development Board of the Mid-Ohio Valley can help employers avoid potential layoffs. Discover how the WDB of the Mid-Ohio Valley can help to facilitate 3rd party training for an employer and tailor training to employers' needs. 

In this episode, you'll hear details about the OJT program available through the Workforce Development Board of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Discover how employers can benefit from this program and the eligibility requirements. Discover how the WDB of the Mid-Ohio Valley can help employers create a training outline and the screening process for the OJT program. 

In this episode, you'll hear another workforce success story as Tim Crum joins the program. Tim reveals details about how he was supported by the Clay County Workforce West Virginia Office to pursue training at WVU-Parkersburg in Full Stack Web Development. Tim discusses the work he is currently doing, his career and educational aspirations, and shares tips for anyone thinking about reaching out for support from the workforce system.       

This episode features an interview with Jamie Persinger, who was referred to Workforce WV by Jobs & Hope West Virginia. Jamie shares how she was able to utilize WIOA funding to obtain her Class A CDL license and how she has been able to improve her life with the support from Workforce WV and Jobs & Hope West Virginia.     

In this episode, you'll hear from Sara Smith, who shares her journey of how she became sober after years of addiction and criminal justice involvement. Sara reveals the assistance she received from Jobs & Hope West Virginia and other organizations, and how she has subsequently pursued higher education and now helps others with their recovery journey. 

Susan Conrad joins the program to discuss her success story of becoming a female barber in her county, after being a displaced worker. Susan reveals the support that she received from the workforce system which enabled her to start her new career.

Christine Gray joins the program to discuss her success journey of going from being a displaced homemaker after her husband was separated from his coal mining employer to enrolling in a medical assisting program which was paid in full by a WIOA Scholarship.   Christine shares how she was able to overcome her fears and doubts and move forward with her career, and shares tips for anyone thinking about making a career change.   

In this episode Stephaine Burchard shares her story of hope and recovery. Discover how with the support of Jobs & Hope WV, Stephaine was able to overcome a life of trauma and addiction and use her experiences to help others. Stephaine reveals how she was able to secure work and stable housing and shares advice for others who may be struggling. 

In this episode, you'll hear a success story from Josh Bishoff, who was able to access class A CDL training and gain an in-demand skill. Although Josh was able to stay in his current job, he explains why being able to pursue his CDL license was so important to him, and shares tips and insights for anyone looking to change jobs or facing layoffs or unemployment. 

In this episode, you'll hear from Valarie Urban, SNAP E & T Career Specialist, as she shares the details about the SNAP Employment and Training Program and how it helps recipients become self-sufficient. Discover eligibility requirements, the types of training programs that are covered, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the program. 

In this episode, you'll hear from Cierra Gunn. Cierra spent years working in the service industry; from in-home direct care to store clerk and lastly, waitressing. During the pandemic, it became clear that waiting tables was not going to provide a sustainable income especially during a shutdown. Discover how the workforce system helped Cierra to gain the skills she need to obtain employment as a flagger with AWP-Traffic Control.     

In this episode, you'll hear from Levi Brady, Youth Transition Coordinator for SW Resources as he provides an overview of the services his organization provides and how and why they partner with the workforce development board. Discover the benefits that SW Resources provides to their customers, employers and the community. 

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. 

In this episode, you'll hear from an OJT participant and a manager at Alrec LLC, as they discuss the benefits of WIOA programs for both employers and employees. 

In this episode, you'll hear from a paid work experience program participant as she reveals how she gained digital marketing skills through her current position. You'll also hear from an employer as he shares the benefits to his business of participating in the paid work experience program and what it's like to be a business owner in Wood County. 

In this episode, you'll hear from Donnie Metz, a job seeker who gained paid work experience, and now works as a career specialist for HRDF. Donnie reveals why he decided to make a change in his life, and shares tips for anyone looking to make positive changes when it comes to obtaining work experience and building a career. 

In this episode, you'll hear from a paid work experience participant, as she discusses her experiences, and the skills that she's learned along the way. You'll also hear from an employer services program specialist as she shares her perspective on how the Career Connections Paid Work Experience program helps participants gain real world skills and jumpstart their careers. 

In this episode, you'll discover the difference between traditional and nontraditional apprenticeships, and why there has been an increased focus on nontraditional apprenticeships in the region. You'll also discover how nontraditional apprenticeships can be a great way for employers to connect with talent, and for job seekers to advance into in-demand careers. 

In this episode, you'll hear from an adult dislocated worker case manager and another participant in the ITA program, as they discuss the various career opportunities available as a truck driver. Discover the different training options available as well what a "typical" day looks like. 

American Job Center coordinator Amber Jackson returns to the program to discuss the recent move to St. Joseph's Landing, and the benefits of the new location for job seekers and employers.  Amber reveals the vision for the new location at St. Joseph's Landing, the partners that can be found at the new location, and how staff have adjusted to the move.  

In this episode, you'll hear another ITA success story! Tonya Morrison shares how the assistance she received from the workforce system enabled her to go from working at a deli to going back to school and starting a new career in accounting at 49 years old. She also shares advice for anyone wanting to continue their education or start a new career. 

In this episode, you'll hear from a dislocated worker case manager, as well as a participant in the ITA Program, as they discuss the benefits of the program, who is eligible, and how to find out if you qualify. You'll hear a success story from an ITA participant about how the program helped to improve their quality of life.

American Job Center coordinator Amber Jackson joins the program to discuss rapid response services, and how they can help businesses and workers deal with the effects of layoffs and closures. Discover the services available and how to go about scheduling and carrying out a rapid response.     

Employer Solutions Specialist Melissa Somerville joins the program to share her story about how the OJT program helped her transition into a new career. Melissa shares how the OJT program changed her life, and offers advice to others who may be facing career transitions. 

In this episode you'll discover the partnership between The Mid-Ohio Valley Workforce Development Board and the Business Resource Network. You'll learn about the mission and vision of the BRN and the advantages of this partnership for employers. 

In this episode, you'll hear from an employer about their experience with employees that have entered their company through WIOA programs. You'll also hear from a workforce professional as they discuss the benefits of WIOA programs for employers and job seekers and hear a powerful success story. 

In this episode, you'll discover the quarterly events for youth, held and planned by the Mason County Family Resource Network. You'll hear success stories and takeaways, and learn how to find out more information about upcoming events. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the medical apprenticeship pilot and the benefits of the program for both participants and employers. Discover what it takes to become an EMT and the various career options that are available after certification. 

This episode features an interview with Miranda Lough from the Workforce Development Board of Mid-Ohio Valley, as well as Ross McPherson from the West Virginia Laborers' Training Center. You'll learn about the work that's being done to support apprenticeships, the benefits of an earn and learn program, and the different types of apprenticeships that are available, including in the skilled trades. 

This episode features an interview with Shelene Shrewsbury, Executive Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Mid-Ohio Valley, and Brittany Burchard, a financial counselor with Consumer Credit Counseling Service of the Mid-Ohio Valley. Shelene and Brittany discuss the Career Connections/OJT Program from the point of view of an employer and a participant and share advice and takeaways from their experiences. Discover the benefits of the program for both job-seekers and employers. 

In this episode, you'll hear from case manager Kristy Deem, as well as from Kristofer Dickerson, a participant in the Career Connections Program, as they discuss what the program entails, the benefits of the program and how it can help lead to meaningful work and a career.