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Investing in our People, Boosting our Workforce

As our state works toward growing and creating dynamic jobs for West Virginians, a strong labor force is vital. While West Virginia’s workforce participation rate hovers around 53 percent, 10 percent below the national average, we are partnering with organizations and groups to help build on the good work already underway to help maximize job growth and participation.

Automation, artificial intelligence, new growth in fields like cybersecurity and IT, the gig economy, smart manufacturing, and rapidly advancing technology mean we must look around corners to re-think how to better prepare ourselves for the ever-evolving landscape of today’s workforce. The WV Forward blueprint recommends we build on current efforts to grow human capital: Build and strengthen our talent pool; integrate more women, minorities and those with disabilities to diversify the talent pipeline; invest in education at all levels and customized technical training; and enhance talent retention and attraction.

Economic development experts, community groups, business leaders, education professionals and labor all agree that we must connect more of our people to the jobs of today and tomorrow. Recognizing the value of stacking hands and forging partnerships, we can drive productivity and target the best ways to increase workforce participation.

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*Citations available upon request.