CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Nearly 80 Career Technical Education students from across West Virginia have been recognized for earning the inaugural Governor’s Workforce Credential.
Students from 15 high schools were honored during a Wednesday ceremony at the state Captiol.
Governor Jim Justice’s Chief of Staff Nick Casey and West Virginia Superintendent of Schools Steven Paine were on hand to congratulate the students.
The Workforce Credential program, implemented in 24 states, was designed to prepare students for careers and to ensure they have industry-ready skills after graduating high school.
“It will definitely get you prepared for the future. It will teach you responsibly and organization — that’s the main things,” said Tristen Parin, a senior at Boone Career and Technical Center.
Parin and her fellow classmate Emily Wood, also a senior, are in the health occupations program.
“It really means a lot,” Wood said of the honor. “Our teacher was really helpful with getting the scores. She always pushed us to get our portfolios finished and do everything that was required.”
Both Wood and Parin plan to study nursing at Marshall University this fall.
Earning a GWC allows employers to quickly identify potential employees for various job openings.
To receive a GWC, students in West Virginina must meet five criteria:
- Complete all four CTE program courses and achieve at least a 95 percent portfolio score.
- Have a verified minimum attendance rate of 95 percent.
- Achieve at least a Level 3 on the Math and ELA categories of the WV Summative Assessment or Level 5 on a Career Readiness Assessment (ACT Work Keys, ACT Key Train or WIN) or 15 percent above the NOCTI criterion-referenced cut score.
- Earn a nationally recognized Industry Credential that coincides with th state-approved program of study (NCCER Core, WV Welding, ASE-student, ServeSafe, C.N. A).
- Obtain a drug-free certification– participate/pass a minimum of two mandatory drug screenings.