FARMINGTON, W.Va. – Career and technical education programs across West Virginia are giving students a head start on their futures by offering hands-on training and industry-recognized credentials before they graduate high school.
In Marion County and throughout the state, CTE programs prepare students for careers in high-demand fields. Through career-focused coursework, students gain technical skills and experience that position them for success in the workforce or in continued education.
West Virginia has 21 county technical centers and seven multi-county technical centers, offering programs such as electrical technology, culinary arts, automotive technology, broadcasting and aerospace engineering.
CTE is growing statewide, with 130 high schools participating and more than 65,000 students in grades 6–12 enrolled.
Supporters of CTE say these programs play a critical role in strengthening the state’s workforce and attracting new businesses.
“I think that if we truly want to grow as a state and we want to be prepared for new business to come to our state, we have to invest in education,” West Virginia Technical Education Director Adam Canter said. “These companies and these businesses who can bring prosperity to our state and true economic development need a workforce, and in order to do that, we have to train our youth to be that workforce.”
At the Marion County Technical Center, Principal Jim Michael said the school focuses on pathways that align with regional hiring needs, ensuring students are job-ready when they graduate.
“We are focused on the jobs that are in need in our region and in our state,” Michael said. “We send those kids out with those certifications. For example, the welding certifications — our students can come out of here certified welders and ready to be work-ready.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 40,000 jobs were open in West Virginia in July 2025, and students completing CTE pathways hope to step directly into those roles.
One student said the program has already made a significant impact on her plans.
“So I feel better prepared for my future and for my family for my time in college,” Gabe Mileto said. “A student last year went to the Culinary Institute of America, so it really helped prepare her for her future becoming a certified chef.”
Mileto is set to join last year’s graduates in the workforce starting in May.
This article was adapted from a television news story using AI. All reporting, facts and quotes from sources are original. AI was only used to assist with formatting and style for a digital platform.