The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center (MAMC) and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) announced a statewide partnership this month to create new pre-apprenticeship opportunities for students and strengthen the talent pipeline for Mountain State industries.
Through the WVDE’s Classroom2Careers initiative, MAMC will align manufacturing trade programs at the state’s career technical education (CTE) centers with U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) pre-apprenticeship standards. Approximately 2,000 students across West Virginia will be eligible to earn pre-apprenticeship credit, giving them direct access to employment opportunities with companies that offer registered apprenticeships through MAMC’s Apprenticeship Works.
“Through this collaboration with Marshall Advanced Manufacturing, our students will gain early, hands-on experience in the field—helping them to build confidence, sharpen skills and see what it truly means to build a career,” said State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt. “These students are learning real-world skills that employers are actively seeking. These are the skills that open doors and create opportunity.”
“This pre-apprenticeship initiative is a major step forward for workforce development in West Virginia,” said MAMC Director Derek Scarbro. “By connecting education and industry in a meaningful way, we’re helping to ensure that students have clear pathways to rewarding careers—and that our companies have access to the homegrown talent they need to compete and grow.”
Students who complete the pre-apprenticeship program will benefit from a streamlined pathway into full apprenticeships, shortening the time it takes to earn journeyworker certifications.
Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Center in Logan County and the Academy of Careers and Technology in Raleigh County are the first two schools to participate. They are partnering with manufacturers Klockner Pentaplast in Beaver and Mine Repair Specialist and US Gearworks in Holden to provide students real-world experiences that lead directly into full apprenticeships.
Scarbro said additional partnerships with schools and employers across the state are in development and will be announced soon.
West Virginia’s CTE system currently includes 77 eligible training programs in fields such as welding, machining, robotics, industrial maintenance, and aviation maintenance at 42 schools statewide. All are eligible to participate in the Classroom2Careers Pre-Apprenticeship initiative.
“We are proud to support this innovative partnership that redefines the connection between education and workforce development,” said Marshall University President Brad D. Smith. “By equipping students with both learning and hands-on training opportunities, we’re not only preparing them for successful careers—we’re also strengthening West Virginia’s workforce. It’s a powerful win for students, employers and our entire state.”
This new pre-apprenticeship program is a component of MAMC’s Apprenticeship Works, which assists manufacturers nationwide in establishing and maintaining apprenticeships in 20 advanced manufacturing occupations. Apprenticeship Works is funded entirely through a $7.1 million grant from the DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship – Employment and Training Administration.
For more information about how schools can participate in the Classroom2Careers Pre-Apprenticeship program, contact Ian Blache, MAMC Workforce Development Program Manager, at 304-781-1657 or .
May 1, 2025
