RCHA offers several training programs for jobs in our area. Whether you‘re looking for your first job, currently working part-time, have recently lost your job, or are returning to the workforce, these programs provide the skills and support you need to succeed.

These programs are designed to:

• Focus on career and technical training.
• Help people in our six-county region find good jobs.
• Provide job readiness training and certifications.
• Help our region become an ACT Work Ready Community.

Job Training Program Options

Heavy Equipment Training

The First Step Heavy Equipment Training program (FSHET) provides industry-based skills training in Heavy Equipment Operation. FSHET uses CAT simulators to give students real-world experience in the classroom. The program offers 5- or 10-week courses during which participants learn how to use equipment safely and gain important job skills, like writing a résumé, interviewing, solving problems, and workplace professionalism.

FSHET participants can earn these certifications for free:

• SafeLand Certification
• CPR/First-Aid Certification
• Flagger Certification

Students also earn an hourly financial stipend while they learn.

Healthcare Certifications and Job Training

The Targeted Health Instruction of North Central West Virginia (THINC WV) program provides job training for healthcare careers. It’s offered in collaboration with Davis Health System, Eastern WV Community and Technical College, and Davis & Elkins College.

THINC WV offers training for these careers:

• Certified Medical Assistant
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Electronic Health Records Specialist
• Billing and Coding Clerk
• Pharmacy Technician
• Behavioral Health Technician
• Community Health Worker

All classes are provided at little to no cost to participants thanks to a grant and tuition assistance from the West Virginia Higher Education Adult Part-Time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program.

THINC WV participants receive a financial stipend of up to $1,000 upon class completion.

Wood Product Manufacturing and Construction Training for Individuals in Recovery

The Cultivating Recovery Employment and Training Education (CREATE) program helps people recovering from substance use or those returning to work after being incarcerated. CREATE offers training in the wood product manufacturing industry. In this four-week program, participants can learn important skills and earn certifications like:

• CPR/First-Aid Certification
• OSHA-10 Certification
• Forklift Operation Certification
• CNC Machinery Certification

CREATE participants earn an hourly financial stipend during instructional time. A drug screening is required.

Learning Center and Workforce Program Partners

These workforce training programs are supported by various grants and partners who provide funding and resources:

• ARC Inspire: This program is 80% funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).  The total funding from ARC is $446,980.  20%/$111,803 is funded by other non-federal organizations.
• HRSA Rural Health Grant: 100% funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. The total federal funding for this program is $1,544,883
• DOL-ETA Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC 4):  This program is 100% funded with federal money.  The total federal funding amount is $1,440,438.

Interested in Partnering with Us?

RCHA is seeking partners to expand workforce training and create lasting economic impact. If your organization is interested in collaborating, contact us to explore partnership opportunities.