MOVRC - Workforce Investment Board

Individual workers have an opportunity to renew their skills and reenter the job market in a different field with the assistance of the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) Mid-Ohio Valley.

Formed as part of federal funding and mandates issued by the Workforce Investment Act, the local board, known as Region IV, helps individuals in Wood, Wirt, Ritchie, Pleasants, Roane, Jackson, Calhoun, Clay and Mason counties obtain training.  More than 6,000 people have sought such assistance.  Some required only the knowledge of basic skills before being placed back into the workforce, while others delved into two-year programs at area institutions.  Students must partake in courses in demand fields, those that foresee much growth.  Top courses of study are: nursing, office administration (including medical office), business and management and truck driver training.

The WIB also assists employers in offering training to employees, whether it be customized or on-the-job assistance.

On a consulting level, WIB staff brings together the right resources to make goals attainable.  “Let us know the problem and we’ll figure out the resource,” describes WIB Program Director Joyce Okes.

The Workforce Investment Board Mid-Ohio Valley is overseen by a committee comprised of commissioners in the counties served along with the mayors of Parkersburg and Vienna.  Representatives from the private sector make up 51% of the Board.

A youth program is also available for a year-round comprehensive program for low-income youth aged 14 to 21 years.  Participants can have access to career exploration, tutoring, job skills development and job shadowing.