HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia nonprofit is ramping up efforts to equip Appalachian residents with the skills needed for jobs in both traditional and emerging industries. Coalfield Development, based in Wayne County, has announced two upcoming workforce training sessions in Kermit and Inez. These sessions will provide entry-level skills and certifications to those seeking employment in construction and other skilled labor fields.
To meet employer demand for a skilled workforce, Coalfield Development is deploying its PATH (Professional Accelerated Training & Hiring) Program to the region. PATH trains and connects tri-state residents to job opportunities with local contractor businesses, unions and other physical-labor-related employers.
These types of employers are frequently hired to handle important roles in multi-discipline projects. The roles these employers handle can involve electrical work, heavy equipment operation and other general construction skills. By providing entry-level training in these disciplines to residents and connecting them with local employers, PATH supports the economic benefits of projects remaining within the community beyond any singular project term.
The program is free for participants. It also offers stipends of $75 per day to reduce financial barriers. This makes it particularly accessible for individuals facing employment challenges, including those in recovery, transitioning careers, or navigating transportation and childcare obstacles.
Upcoming training sessions
- The first of the two training sessions focused on Heavy Equipment Operation is already at capacity. Scheduled from Feb. 17 to March 21 in Kermit, West Virginia, the session will provide hands-on experience with machinery commonly used in construction and infrastructure projects.
- The second session, General Labor & Energy Technology, will take place from March 3 to April 4 at Tek Center Inc., 104 E. Main Street, Suite 100, Inez, Kentucky, and is still open for registration. The program will accommodate 20 participants, with enrollment beginning Feb. 12.
To learn more, view additional events and/or register for a PATH Program Training, visit Coalfield Development’s EventBrite at www.eventbrite.com/o/coalfield-development-corporation-59866018083.
Expanding partnerships
Coalfield Development is also broadening its workforce development reach through strategic partnerships. In collaboration with Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR), the nonprofit is working to expand training, job placement services and career pathways. SOAR offers additional support such as digital literacy training and job networking opportunities, complementing Coalfield Development’s hands-on approach.
Additionally, Coalfield has teamed up with the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership (APPC2C), a Kentucky-based initiative focused on aligning education and workforce training to community needs. The partnership seeks to create career pathways for young people while addressing systemic barriers to employment, such as absenteeism and lack of access to job training.
These collaborations want to ensure that workforce training is not just about filling short-term needs but about creating sustainable career opportunities. By working together, these organizations can reach more communities and help build an economically resilient Appalachia.
A pathway to economic revitalization
The PATH Program represents one piece of Coalfield Development’s mission to rebuild Appalachia’s economy through investment in employment-based social enterprises and community revitalization. By equipping individuals with job-ready skills, the organization hopes to reduce economic outmigration and keep skilled labor within the region.
Learn more at coalfield-development.org or contact Josiah Hannah, Coalfield Development’s Community Impact Director, at josiah.hannah@coalfield- development.org.