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 off...

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 partnershi...

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 print...

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...

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 ho...

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 organization...

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 f...

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 abo...

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 f...

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.