NC West Virginia News

A new collaboration between West Virginia University (WVU) and RAND has been established to address workforce challenges by focusing on workforce development and education. This initiative aims to transform research into strategies that adapt to the evolving job market.

West Virginia University, known for its land-grant mission and R1 research status, joins efforts with RAND, a nonprofit organization recognized for its role in shaping policy through research over the past eight decades. The partnership will explore workforce trends, emphasizing apprenticeships, stackable credentials, career pathways, and technical education.

Gordon Gee, President of WVU, stated, "At West Virginia University, part of our mission is to deliver solutions to real-world problems, and this partnership will allow us to expand our efforts in workforce development."

The joint efforts will initially target improving apprenticeship opportunities, enhancing career mapping, and expanding technical education to address labor market shifts and technological advancement. WVU Vice President for Research Fred King highlighted the potential impact: "Collectively, we have the ability to uncover pragmatic, evidence-based guidance that can bolster career pathways across industries and demographic groups in the 21st century economy."

By year-end, the first set of research findings is anticipated, which could serve as a blueprint for other states. RAND President and CEO Jason Matheny remarked, “This partnership is a natural fit. RAND and WVU share a commitment to improving people’s lives through research and action.” Andrew Hoehn, RAND’s senior vice president for research and analysis, emphasized the synergy of the collaboration: “This partnership will allow both of our organizations to accomplish something together that we could not accomplish alone.”

WVU and RAND representatives will discuss these issues further at the Focus Forward conference in Morgantown on April 22.