Narrative: II. c. 2.

Goal 1: Workforce Development System Integration

In order for WIOA to be successful, a seamless one—stop delivery system must be created. As resources become more and more limited, partners in the workforce development system must work together in order to provide maximum benefit to our customers.

Strategy 1.1: Work with partners to create a better understanding of what a truly integrated workforce system looks like.

Regular quarterly partner meetings and Opportunity in Action meetings in each Region 1 counties encourage collaboration. We have developed and are utilizing a unified referral form. We have developed and are implementing our MOU / Infrastructure agreements with our core, required and additional partners. One Stop Management Team/Inclusion Team is a partnership between the Region 4, One Stop Coordinator, Adult Education, UI, DRS, Community Resources—all partners in the One Stop providing services to our joint customers. The Team makes decisions on cross-training of staff, office issues and works together to solve problems, develop programs and activities to include the community. Region 5, Core and Required Partners have developed operational policies and procedures for regional American Job Centers that reflect an integrated system of performance, communication and case management services. The NPWDB, Inc., Core and Required Partners have developed a Common Referral and Participant Information Release Form for use in the region. This should help decrease duplication of efforts spent on data and information collection for everyone. DRS maintained and continues to maintain a presence with each of West Virginia’s seven Local Workforce Development Boards (WDBs): Region 1 WDB; Region 2 — South Western WV WDB, Inc.; Region 3 — WDB of Kanawha County, Inc.; Region 4 Mid-Ohio Valley WDB; Region 5 — Northern Panhandle WDB; Region 6 WDB, and Region 7 WDB. DRS has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and Infrastructure Funding Agreements (IFAs) with each board. Each Local WDB has a DRS representative who is active in the Board’s activities and decision-making process. Strategy 1.2: Ensure cross—training of all workforce development staff.

Region 4, continues to work with One-Stop Coordinator on creation of a One-Stop Manual so that all WIOA One-Stop partners will be able to help in daily operations of running the facilities. Once complete the One-Stop Coordinator will schedule and conduct a training session with all front-line partner staff to review programs and services available through partner and resource agencies. Area Interagency Meetings are held twice a year and include subjects that are relevant to staff from Adult Ed, DRS and WFWV as well as DHHR and other partners. Region 5, Core and Required Partners work together to offer intensive training to Front-line Staff no less than twice a program year. Front-line Staff is knowledgeable about basic eligibility requirements and Core and Required Partner functions and programs, so they have the expertise in assisting customers properly and efficiently. Training typically focuses on: Customer service; Instructions on serving clients with disabilities; Properly assessing individuals with barriers to employment; How to access outside resources; and, The introduction of new regulations, policy, procedures, etc. Core and Required Partners, as well as Non-Required Partners and Front-line Staff, participate in Cross-Training Sessions offered at the Wheeling American Job Center no less than four times each program year. Cross-Training Sessions focus on familiarizing all Staff about any changes in the delivery of Core and Required Partners’ Programs and Services or about any new Programs and Services to be offered in the region. The Region 6 One Stop Operator has developed a partner resource book for distribution to all partners. The partners provided a description of their agency and the services they provide. This information was compiled by the One Stop Operator and will be used for cross training and as a desk reference for front line staff to use when customers inquire about services available within the Region 6 WDB One Stop Partner Network. The Region 7 WDB has developed a comprehensive case management manual as a resource guide for all One-Stop staff. The Region 7 WDB holds weekly staff meetings that include the One-Stop Director where cross training and other staff needs are continuously discussed. Quarterly One-Stop meetings with partners also address cross-training needs that may exist and how we can better serve mutual clients. As data integration across the core partners’ systems is being completed, training will be conducted for staff that utilize the system. Staff will be able to access relevant consumer data shared from partner programs in order to coordinate and improve service delivery and employment outcomes for all WDS consumers. Cross-training for partner agencies is conducted at the local level at one-stop locations across the state. The agencies will strive to continue these cross-trainings. Strategy 1.3: Maintain frequent communication with all partners within the workforce development system.

Region 1 continues to participate in monthly Interagency Collaborative Team Meetings, Workforce Development Board Directors’ meetings and quarterly WV State Workforce Development Board meetings. We post weekly updates that are shared with dozens of partners within our region. We also host Partner and Opportunities in Action meetings in our region. Quarterly Meetings of both Core Partners and required Partners are held in Region 2 to make sure headed in same direction. The centralized referral service with all referrals being made through the same person enables individuals to be brought closer into the system and make sure they have follow-up on referrals. Local information is posted on Region 3 website as well as references to our partner agencies. Emails are sent when needed. www.region3wibkc.org Region 3 Executive Director attends monthly meetings with the state and quarterly state Workforce Development Board meetings. Region 4 contracted One Stop Coordinator continues to conduct monthly One-Stop manager team meetings to identify areas of collaboration and share information about agency specific updates. One-Stop Coordinator will continue to conduct Partner Staff meetings at the Affiliate and Satellite office throughout the region to communicate program updates as well as events, such as Career/Job Fairs and schedule Workshops. Through regular meetings every month and frequent daily communications between Region 5 Job Center Operator Staff, Core and Required Partners, we stay informed of the state of the local workforce development system. Region 6 WDB will continue to meet with partners on a quarterly basis to discuss workforce issues at a central location in the region. Cross training and upcoming partner activities are highlighted at each meeting. Email blasts have continued to provide a means of keeping Region VI partners updated on activities and events happening in the region. The Region VI website provides the public with policies and program information on a regional level and links to state and federal websites as a means of providing employers and job seekers with valuable information they need to make informed decisions about hiring and job search and training opportunities. www.regionviwv.org. The Facebook page for the Region 6 One Stop Partner Network was up and open to the public in August of 2017. The Region 7 WDB has quarterly Management Consortium meetings with One-Stop partners and quarterly Business Services/Implementation Team meetings with employers and partners who deliver business services in the region. The Region 7 WDB has quarterly Training Provider meetings with all approved educational institutions that deliver demand occupational training to WIOA clients within our region. Sector Partner Strategy meetings are held in conjunction with the community and technical colleges (Blue Ridge CTC and Eastern WV CTC). Each Local WDB has a DRS representative who is active in the Board’s activities and decision-making process. DRS has maintained regular communication with WorkForce WV to stay abreast of trends in employment, including changes in education and training requirements. This has been accomplished through regular meetings of the workforce development system (WDS), written communications, teleconferences, and other media. DRS, particularly through its Employment Specialists, stayed informed of emerging careers and occupations via WorkForce WV’s Labor Market Information website. DRS Employment Specialists have also continuously collected employment information from their business contacts. This information is shared within the WDS. DRS registers its job-ready consumers with WorkForce WV in order to better serve employers by providing them with a base of potential employees. Strategy 1.4: Develop common IT system to be used by core partners.

Representatives from the 3 core partners meet on a regular basis to create a document outlining the required data elements to be shared and how those elements will be exchanged. Through the Re-employment Systems Integration Dislocated Worker Grant (RSI-DWG), the three core partner agencies continue to develop an integrated data sharing system. WorkForce West Virginia will modify the MACC to extend the integrated registration and case management system to incorporate sharing of customer information with the West Virginia's Division of Rehabilitation Services title IV programs and the West Virginia Adult Education title II programs. Each partner will be able to query data in real time to obtain information for the customer to review and correct as necessary prior to program enrollment. In addition, ongoing service delivery can be reflected in all partner systems by utilizing additional real time data exchanges. Each partner will integrate the data from the other systems into their current case management system in ways that are familiar to their case managers reducing the need to retrain front line staff. To fully support this undertaking, the MACC's underlying hardware and system level software will be upgraded to a private cloud architecture. This upgrade will allow Workforce West Virginia to quickly respond to changes in workload as well as maintain 24x7 availability. Anticipated Benefits: o Customers will not be required to enter or provide duplicative information across partner systems, reducing customer frustration. o Case managers will be informed of relevant activities related to a particular customer allowing for more intensive service delivery. o Programs will be able to better coordinate the delivery of services in order to eliminate duplicate services.

Goal 2: Customer—Driven Approach (Individual & Employer)

We will create an approach based on the needs of the job seekers as well as the needs of the employer. Our workforce development system must examine the needs of the employer, assess the skills and skills gaps of the workforce and then create solutions to ensure maximum benefit to both customer groups.

Strategy 2.1: Work with employers to identify true workforce needs.

Employer’s needs in Region 1 are identified through one-on-one meetings, partner team meetings consisting of local Economic Development Authorities, representatives from the Governor’s Guaranteed Workforce Program, as well as roundtable discussions sponsored by local chambers, Economic Development Authorities and the WV Manufacturing Extension Partnership. A spring Business Summit is planned which will provide a greater opportunity to identify needs throughout sector strategies and promote business and education collaborations. Region 2 has affiliate sites on the campus of Community and Technical Colleges and assisting Southern CTC and Mountwest CTC to identify the needs of employers. Their Governing Boards are composed of local employers who take an active interest in what direction they are heading. This day to day communication and co-operative effort enables individuals at all levels of organizations to share common knowledge. Region 3 has been collaborating with local labor unions to help identify their growing needs. By their statements, the trend is recognizing the age level within their labor halls are “baby boomers’ and will be leaving the industry within the next few years, leaving them, perhaps, with a large skill gap amongst many trades. HRDF’s Youth Career Pathways, funded by the Region III Workforce Development Board, is meeting the need of youth and expanding access to partnerships with employers using contracts, as well as general partnerships. All youth have the opportunity to participate in various work activities, which may include mock interviews with local employers, worksite tours that promote awareness of types of positions and their availability in the local area, or job fairs where employers are hiring on the spot, amongst others. Region 3 recently worked with BridgeValley CTC on developing an electrical lineman class course. We met with not only the school, but the potential employers. Potential employment in the field will be high paying, life sustaining positions. We have also been working to introduce a “DRONE” course that would end with the participant securing an FCC license to fly a commercial drone which will be used in the upcoming construction projects proposed by state. Drones equipped with sharp lens capability will be able to inspect bridges, cell towers, power towers and a host of numerous construction projects that would normally require man-hours to complete. Region 4 Continues to work with employers through our sector strategy teams: Healthcare, Manufacturing and IT. Needs are discussed by employers and addressed by WDB and resource partners. 1. Manufacturing Sector Group: Common job descriptions have been created for the Manufacturing sector group. The Manufacturing Sector will meet with WVMA to discuss partnering in 2018 for a Manufacturing Day experience for high school students in the MOV. 2. The Healthcare sector continues to work with WV legislation issues that are hindering being able to hire qualified LPN instructors. 3. IT Sector is working on a Tech Camp in partnership with WVUP for 13-17-year-olds for 2018 summer, as well as creating common job descriptions for (yet to be determined) jobs. After engaging employers and discussing their workforce needs, Region 5 Core and Required Partners work together to provide appropriate solutions that involve the coordination and delivery of Work-Based Training Programs and Services, like the On-the-Job (OJT) Program, Customized Training and Incumbent Worker Training. The region’s Business Services Team (BST) strengthens relations with area employers by researching their workforce needs and subsequently providing them with access to a talent pipeline, especially for industry sectors experiencing a shortage of talent. The BST conducts informational session where businesses learn about grants, tax credits and other services available to help them become more competitive. The Region 6 WDB On the Job Training policy and Transitional Job policy have been changed to allow for increased reimbursement rates with employers who will utilize those types of training to meet their hiring and training needs. Current program year to date, 23 employers have participated as Worksite Providers of Occupational Exploration or through On the Job Training contracts. The Region 6 WDB continues to work with Aerospace employers and the Mid Atlantic Aerospace Complex in North Central West Virginia in order to assist them in meeting the increasing needs of the Aerospace and Manufacturing sectors. The Region 7 WDB has quarterly Business Services/Implementation Team meetings with employers and partners who deliver business services in the region. Sector Partner Strategy meetings are held in conjunction with the community and technical colleges (Blue Ridge CTC and Eastern WV CTC) in our region. Use of DRS Employment Specialists -DRS used its Employment Specialists to gather information regarding employers at the local level, including information regarding job placements for individuals with disabilities and regarding current and expected employer needs. DRS has an in-house Employer Services Section that specializes in providing employers with disability-related information, services, and pre-screened job seekers. The DRS Employer Services Section has 11 Employment Specialists that cover all 55 counties in West Virginia. Each Employment Specialist has a unique understanding of local labor market information (LMI) including what jobs are available, what jobs are in demand or decline, and employer networks. DRS’ team of Employment Specialists provided business owners and employers with critical business options and assistance in staffing, employee retention strategies, education on disability-related issues, job accommodations, and information about financial incentives for employers who hire individuals with disabilities. Direct contact with employers is a key strategy to identify competitive integrated employment and career exploration opportunities for vocational rehabilitation (VR) consumers, including students with disabilities. Employment Specialists therefore contact employers directly to identify current and future job openings. To facilitate this, DRS utilizes labor market information provided by WorkForce WV to identify the top employers in each county; contact is always made with the top ten employers in each county. DRS Employment Specialists conducted over 1,000 employer visits with more than 800 employers in both FYs 2016 and 2017. Information from these employer visits is entered into the MACC system and is available to all partner agencies. When meeting with employers, Employment Specialists provide valuable information, including the DRS Employer Resource Guide. The resource guide provides information regarding staffing services, training programs and incentives for hiring people with disabilities, financial incentives, accessibility assessments, accommodating employees with disabilities, basic disability etiquette, attitudinal barriers, the Americans with Disabilities Act, locating a DRS office, and where to find additional resources. Each Local WDB has a DRS representative who is active in the Board’s activities and decision-making process. The Employer Services Section maintains a database of each DRS-employer interaction with VR employment specialists. The information collected includes the business name, contact person, and current job openings by occupation. If needed, a referral to the DRS Rehabilitation Technology Unit is made to address workplace accommodations. This list is distributed to Counselors to potentially match a job-ready VR consumer with a current job opening. Through positive working relationships, 19 employers, including some of the largest in the state, now send job postings directly to DRS’ Employer Services Section. Strategy 2.2: Assess skill gaps and needs of individuals seeking employment and/or training.

Region 3 currently has the successful “Women Work” pre-apprenticeship program in Kanawha County. We have met routinely with labor unions and our local USDOL apprenticeship representative to discuss how we can better serve our labor halls and our employers who have apprenticeship programs in-house. Region 5 area employers are provided access to a number of Employer Programs and Services that can help them more readily identify individuals to fill current job postings, like: On-the-Job (OJT) Training; Customized Training; and, Incumbent Worker Training. All of this is done to promote more Work-Based Training in the region to ensure that employers maintain a competitive position and ensure their workers are as skilled and effective as possible. Region 5 continues to work with area schools and institutions in examining/analyzing existing curriculum against the needs of targeted industry-related skills certifications. Area schools and institutions are doing a much better job identifying gaps in existing curriculum and developing new curriculum to fill skills gaps. DRS completed Individualized Plans for Employment (IPEs) for 4,225 individuals with disabilities in federal fiscal year (FY) 2016 and 3,637 individuals with disabilities in FY 2017. These IPEs follow an assessment made by counselors to determine the individuals’ skills, needs, and desires pertinent to employment, as well as vocational counseling and guidance to help determine an appropriate employment goal. Strategy 2.3: Ensure that individuals with barriers, especially those with disabilities, to employment have increased access to and for opportunities for employment, education, training, and support services.

The Region 1 Transitional Jobs Program provides work-based learning experiences and support services for those with chronic unemployment and many barriers to work, e.g., re-entry customers and individuals in recovery, many of which also have disabilities. Our partnership with Adult Education provides additional trainings and services to our customers in transition. Region 2 WDB has a longstanding, co-operative efforts with Job Services, WV Rehab Services and TANF division of DHHR. Region 2 and these State Agencies have worked together to advance individuals in employment and training by working together with an individual to determine the services needed and how those services can be provided. We refer and co-operatively assess individuals to determine a recommended pathway for their success. Region 2 One Stop provided a bus from 2 different areas of region to attend Construction Job Fairs to investigate job opportunities in a statewide road construction project and within the construction industry. Region 2 One-Stop is sponsoring March Madness Career Expo in Huntington, WV that will enable not only applicants to learn what businesses are hiring but will assist all partners to learn more about the businesses that are hiring and what jobs are available. Region 4 is intent on providing accessible services to persons in all walks of life, regardless of ability/disability. The One Stop Managers Team has created an Inclusion Team to make sure that the not only the physical location is accessible, but that services are accessible to all as well. The Inclusion Team is responsible for a “re-work” of the Comprehensive One Stop Centers seating and clearing unused seating to make a more open path for persons with disabilities, and space at tables in the One Stops are marked for wheelchair access. DRS has assisted in the setup and design of Region 5 American Job Centers in an effort to enhance the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities. WVDRS provides services such as training, job development, job placement, etc., to assist individuals with disabilities as well. DRS registers its job-ready consumers with WorkForce WV in order to better serve employers by providing them with a base of potential employees. DRS continues to work with agencies within the criminal justice system to improve services to individuals with disabilities. During the first half of Program Year 2017, 50 individuals referred by WV correctional institutions have become DRS consumers. Additionally, DRS has served 115 individuals with a self-reported ex-offender status. DRS also works with the WV Division of Corrections, the Parole Services Employment Coordinator, and Oxford Houses in WV to jointly serve individuals residing in sober living homes across the state. DRS is also working with the Parole Services Employment Coordinator to improve ongoing efforts to effectively serve parolees with disabilities who are seeking employment. DRS will be presenting at the WV Division of Probation’s Statewide Probation Education Conference to inform and improve outreach efforts among probationers with disabilities. DRS is partnering with the Director of Community Services within the WV Division of Juvenile Services to better serve youth with disabilities involved in the juvenile justice system, particularly those attending school at the community-based youth reporting centers. DRS has continued collaborative efforts with the WV Bureau of Behavioral Health and Health Facilities (BHHF) to expand employment opportunities for individuals with behavioral health challenges (e.g., mental health, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities). During the first half of Program Year 2017, 284 individuals referred by mental health providers have become DRS consumers. To better serve individuals with traumatic brain injuries, DRS collaborates with the WV Bureau for Medical Services to improve access to resources for its consumers. DRS is also a member of the Bringing Recovery Supports to Scale Technical Assistance Center Strategy (BRSS TACS). In coordination with BHHF, BRSS TACS has developed an action plan. DRS will identify strategies for ensuring the credentialing process is accessible and relevant to people with all types of disabilities. DRS will also assist in the development and dissemination of a directory of recovery support services available in WV, including access to recovery coaches, recovery residences, peer centers, and other recovery supports. Strategy 2.4: Make available training programs that solve both the needs of employers and individuals.

On-the-Job Training as well as Transitional Jobs, provides benefits to employers in Region 1 who are willing to train individuals to meet their needs and provide those individuals with opportunities to receive training and/or work-based experience while earning a wage. A spring Business Summit will be held to inform and promote the benefits of non-traditional Registered Apprenticeships to businesses throughout Region 1. Region 2 WDB provides an aggressive array of employment products that includes OJT. As of January, 62 positions have been developed from 72 business contacts in the Region. Career and Technical Centers are now included as a resource. Region 3 is working with the local DOL rep to obtain a list of Registered Apprenticeship programs statewide. Region 3 works with “Women Work”, a pre-apprenticeship exclusively for women. The Office of Apprenticeship will provide technical assistance to grantees and will promote the creation and growth of apprenticeship programs in Region 3 will build new, and strengthen existing partnerships, with employers to increase work-based learning experiences. Region 3 is consulting with a start-up enterprise on converting the abandoned land mines of West Virginia to agricultural enterprise by growing lavender. Apparently, lavender thrives on soil that has been exposed to the mining industry. The start-up enterprise is working with EDA and ARC funding at present but once incorporated, they are expected to grow significantly statewide. Region 3 referred that consultant to BridgeValley and at this point, they are preparing course curriculum that will be applicable to the agricultural industry anywhere. It will have a variety of courses, including entrepreneurship classes and soil mixing, chemical courses. It will be a certificate course. Region 3 will continue to support the “Simulated Workplace” in the Career and Technical Centers of Kanawha County. The SW project provides a real-life work experience in the classroom. Kanawha County has: Ben Franklin Career and Technical Center; Garnet Career and Technical School, and Carver Career and Technical Center. Region 3 will support the state strategy in the development and implementation of fast-tracked learning opportunities. Region 4 has transitioned many youth work experiences into OJT’s and helped create transitional job opportunities while providing some additional support services. WDB-MOV is working closely with apprenticeship trades to help provide training assistance, as well as work related out of pocket costs an apprentice will need. Our priority in Region 5 is to increase training and education for job seekers, especially those with barriers to employment, to meet the needs of employers. Through regular meetings and frequent communications between Region 5, the Job Center Operator, Core and Required Partners, we stay informed of emerging careers and occupations through the sharing of current labor market data. In partnership with ABE and Career & Technical Education Schools/Institutions, we are integrating technical training and basic skills education that should lead to industry-recognized credentials and opportunities to continue a Career Pathway. The Region 6 WDB has re-evaluated its’ ITA policy tuition funding levels and determined that an increase in the tuition level will expand the opportunities of customers considering training. The policy increased tuition levels based on the length of the training. Region 6 continues to support Apprenticeships through inclusion of registered Apprenticeship opportunities on the regional training provider list to promote them as a desirable means of obtaining training and certification while working to support the financial needs of the participants. Additionally, the Region 6 WDB has funded the WV Women Work Pre-Apprenticeship program as a non-traditional career pathway into specific Trade apprenticeships. Region 6 WDB continues to work with Aerospace Employers and the Mid Atlantic Aerospace Complex in North Central West Virginia to assist them in meeting the increasing needs of the Aerospace and Manufacturing Sectors. The Region 7 WDB works with employer partnerships, community and technical colleges, secondary and post-secondary schools to establish credentials that demonstrate job readiness, the attainment of employability skills, and measurable skill gains aligned to career pathways for individuals with barriers to employment especially those with disabilities. DRS continues to inform its consumers about available career pathway programs available through Adult Education, Career and Technical Education, the Community and Technical College System, and four-year colleges. In 2016, DRS assisted 1,650 consumers with four-year college training, 423 consumers with junior/community college training and 259 consumers with other types of occupational/vocational training. In 2017, DRS assisted 1,660 consumers with four-year college training, 433 consumers with junior/community college training, and 326 consumers with other types of occupational/vocational training. DRS continued to promote the expansion community rehabilitation programs to expand their services into potentially unserved or underserved areas. DRS identified new community rehabilitation programs to increase the availability of supported employment services (i.e., job coaching) for West Virginians with significant disabilities. In FY 2015, DRS identified 91 CRPs to serve West Virginians with disabilities. As of the beginning of 2018, the agency has identified 101 CRPs. The agency also emphasized job coaching for DRS consumers who are not in the supported employment program. Goal 3: Career Pathways Development

It is imperative that the workforce development system provide education and training for skills that lead to quality employment in high—demand jobs or entry—level occupations that lead to high demand jobs. Career pathways must be diverse with multiple entry and exit points allowing individuals of varying abilities, including low—skilled adults and youth with multiple barriers to employment, especially those with disabilities, to have realistic access to pathways. The State will support career pathways that help adults and youth enter the labor force and/or advance among multiple occupations, advance within an occupation or move to a new occupation that has similar skills to a previous occupation.

Strategy 3.1: Ensure career pathways development as set forth in WIOA is followed.

Apprenticeship shows the ease of career pathways in many types of occupations. Region 2 Career Planners use this method of following the pathway in any occupation as you gain knowledge and skills you continue to progress through the training steps. We discuss the Career Pathway of our OJT positions that are developed and how pathways may split off to other pathways depending on your abilities and interest. Industry-led partnerships are coupled with Career Pathways. Region 5 Job Center Operator, Core and Required Partners have implemented Career Pathways initiatives in Health Care, IT and CDL Training. Career Pathways Services are diverse with multiple entry and exit points that allow individuals with varying degrees of ability to have realistic access to pathways. DRS continues to inform its consumers about available career pathway programs available through Adult Education, Career and Technical Education, the Community and Technical College System, and four-year colleges. In 2016, DRS assisted 1,650 consumers with four-year college training, 423 consumers with junior/community college training and 259 consumers with other types of occupational/vocational training. In 2017, DRS assisted 1,660 consumers with four-year college training, 433 consumers with junior/community college training, and 326 consumers with other types of occupational/vocational training. Strategy 3.2: Enhance current career pathways system.

Region 1 is has developed a Partner Contact Spreadsheet that will help easily navigate across career pathways. We are currently developing training workshops to notify customers of their career pathway options. These workshops can be presented with partnering agencies. Region 2 Career Planners meet with the faculty and counselors of Southern and Mountwest Career and Technical Colleges that are affiliated sites of our One-Stop to gain a better understanding of how participants can start on one career pathway and branch off to another pathway, potentially leading to additional training and enhancing your earning potential. Region 3 is eager to work with the “Registered Apprenticeship” programs. Staff has met numerous times with our local Department of Labor representative to ensure that we are on target to roll-out programs that meet the needs of our employers. The Robert C. Byrd Institute has applied for and was awarded a grant of substantial value to roll out their apprenticeship program. Kanawha County also supports participants in a pre-apprenticeship program, “Women Work”, which is also a nationally registered program. Region 4 contracted One-Stop Coordinator and the One- Stop Management Team will continue working toward a desk manual of Career Pathways based on the Demand Occupation List within the MOV-WDB region. The Career Pathway manual will align occupations within industries as well as required degree, diploma, or certification. Career Planners will promote a career pathway system in MOV that includes ITA services potentially followed by OJT with an employer to complete or continue the career path of an individual. Working with employers to expand the career path of their employees through Incumbent Worker training to expand the skill sets of current employees and promote the development of new technology on the job. The Northern Panhandle workforce development system allows customers to receive Career Pathway Services at any stage. Industry-led partnerships are being developed as a way to connect with the regional economic outlook. The needs of industry are tied to workforce projects that include training, recruitment industry sector partnerships, Career Pathways development and enhancement of training options. Region 5 will use Adult Basic Education (ABE) Career Pathways materials as a way of coordinating education and workforce activities with relevant secondary and post-secondary activities. The Region 6 WDB has trained 57 individuals using Sector Partnership National Emergency Grant Funds in the areas of healthcare, energy, IT, and manufacturing. DRS, through its involvement with the Interagency Collaborative Team, stays up-to-date with ongoing Sector Partnership programs. DRS consumers are made aware of these opportunities, as appropriate. The Employer Services Section also worked with employers to better serve transitioning youth with disabilities, including providing career exploration opportunities for students with disabilities through the Positive Outcomes within Education and Rehabilitation (POWER) program. POWER is a job shadowing program that offers transitioning students, who may be having a difficult time choosing a career path, the opportunity to experience an occupation by spending time with a professional working in the students’ vocational goal/career field of interest. The POWER program allows the student the opportunity to experience an occupation prior to committing to training. It guides the student to take a serious, realistic look at the occupation, allowing the student to make a more informed choice. Currently, there are 81 employers statewide that participate in the POWER program. DRS works with employers to develop OJT opportunities. When appropriate, DRS refers its consumers to those employers for OJT. DRS provided OJT to 40 of its consumers in 2016 and 38 of its consumers in 2017. Collaboration with WorkForce WV - DRS has maintained regular communication with WorkForce WV to stay abreast of trends in employment, including changes in education and training requirements. This has been accomplished through regular meetings of the workforce development system (WDS), written communications, teleconferences, and other media. DRS, particularly through its Employment Specialists, stayed informed of emerging careers and occupations via WorkForce WV’s Labor Market Information website. DRS Employment Specialists have also continuously collected employment information from their business contacts. This information is shared within the WDS. DRS registers its job-ready consumers with WorkForce WV in order to better serve employers by providing them with a base of potential employees. Information from these employer visits is entered into the MACC system and is available to all partner agencies. Strategy 3.3: Educate individuals (job—seekers and employers) and encourage career pathways in training and employment environments.

Region 1 provides counseling/career services to support individuals with their career goals. We utilize resources such as the WorkForce GPS and WV Career Pathways to help individuals navigate through the career pathway system to enter training that meets the demands of local businesses. Region 2 encourages our OJT employers to discuss long range skill development and the pathway of learning leads to an understanding that the job-seeker has a pathway to advancement and increased income which also helps employer with attitude and retention. Employers who provide Incumbent Worker training to present employees find the loyalty gained is worth the investment. Region 3 is supporting a pre-apprenticeship program in Kanawha County through WIOA funding, a program for women and look forward to participating with the Nationally Registered Apprenticeship programs that potentially offer a lifetime economically sustainable wage. Region 3 WIB has linked our website to the state workforce website to support the dissemination of information to Kanawha County public regarding career pathways and information provided by the Department of Education around initiatives such as Simulated Workplace. Region 4 contracted One-Stop Coordinator and the One- Stop Management Team goal of creating a Career Pathway desk manual is that it will serve as resource for Adult, Youth, and Partner Agency front-line staff to utilize in working with program participants to develop training and employment goals. The Career Pathway desk manual will be a resource utilized by the MOV-WDB contracted Business Service Rep. to assist the review of MOV-WDB Region employer needs based on the outlined training programs. training curriculums of specific programs, and skill-sets obtained through training program completion. Region 4 continues to offer career path information in the MOV via the Green and Purple Books (MOVERG’s) for Manufacturing, Healthcare, Construction, and Oil and Gas (Energy) by “driving” people to the wdbmov.com website for information on those career opportunities. We will continue developing pathways to promote the opportunities with employers in the MOV using the Sector meetings to vet the career paths. Career Pathways Services offered in the Northern Panhandle WDB involve a combination of education, training and Supportive Services that align with the skill needs of industries. Services provide a “road map” for job seekers that detail certificate or degree requirements and employment outlook that lead that individual to this/her desired education and employment goals. Alignment of these Services offers job seekers and employers direct access to a broad range of services that are adapted and leveraged to address an individual’s and employer’s needs. The Region 6 WDB has funded the WV Women Work Pre-Apprenticeship programs as a non-traditional career pathway into specific Trade apprenticeships. The Region 7 WDB helps establish a statewide and regional list of industry-recognized credentials with a focus on identifying credentials along established career pathways. DRS’ vocational rehabilitation counselors provide vocational counseling and guidance and work one-on-one with consumers to develop Individualized Plans for Employment (IPE). These IPEs ensure informed consumer choice and a well-defined pathway to an in-demand occupation or career that is consistent with the individuals skills, abilities, and interests. DRS has created PathwaysWV.org, a website for students with disabilities to gain valuable and relevant information on career pathways, education and training opportunities, and current and future in-demand occupations.

Goal 4: Increase Opportunities for Youth

Unemployment rates for older youth and young adults remain substantially higher than those for the population as a whole. The likelihood of employment is highly correlated with educational levels, rates of employment and labor market participation for individuals with secondary credentials or less are substantially lower than for those with postsecondary credentials. For these reasons, the workforce development system must recognize the employment challenges faced by youth, particularly those without postsecondary credentials. Partners must work together to alleviate barriers and create opportunities for our youth.

Strategy 4.1: Implement new WIOA regulations regarding youth.

Region 1 WDB is increasingly working with employers who will provide paid work experiences for Out of School Youth. We are providing participants with relevant work experience and training. Many of these positions have led to regular employment. For Region 3 Workforce Investment Board of Kanawha County partnering with Human Resource Development Foundation (HRDF), Recruitment and Enrollment is the cornerstone of a successful program. HRDF makes every effort to create recruitment opportunities, and is thankful for agencies such as Adult Education, Juvenile Justice System and programs, such as Mountaineer Challenge Academy, where staff are given opportunities to meet potentially eligible youth through coordinated efforts and the offering of presentations. Strategy 4.2: Make youth services a priority within the workforce development system

The same contractor that operates Youth programs in Region 2 also operates Employment Products (OJT, Transitional, Incumbent Worker, etc.). Employment team has developed 62 positions, filled 50 with 20 of those being 18-24 years old Region 3 will encourage the co-enrollment of high risk Out-of-school Youth, ages 18-24, as both WIOA Adult (Title II) and WIOA Youth participants. This has been realized through dual enrollments with the YouthBuild Program in the region, as well as the Employment for Independent Living Program, which serves foster youth. Blending and braiding these resources only increases the level of support offered to enrolled youth. Region 3 WIB will collaborate with YouthBuild, Job Corps, and AmeriCorps sites and will encourage inclusion of those partnerships in the region. AmeriCorps Programs serve their members by creating jobs and providing pathways to opportunity for young people entering the workforce. Region 3 has an MOU on file with our local partner KISRA. Region 5 maintains a Youth Workforce Development System that steers Youth to post-secondary education and sustainable employment. The NPWDB, Inc. maintains a strong partnership with YSS, Inc., the education community and area employers. The NPWDB, Inc. and YSS, Inc. has developed and implemented strategies that connect Youth with meaningful training, and subsequently, family-sustaining careers through past experiences, research and best practices. Region 6WDB continues to work with HRDF (Youth Contractor) to expand the use of transitional jobs, OJT, and work experience for the youth of the region. Dual enrollment in the Adult program has been promoted over that last two years to provide the broadest array of services possible for the youth based upon their assessed needs. Post-secondary training through ITA’s has been promoted to the Out of School youth. To date, three youth participants are participating in ITA’s. The youth program in Region 6 continues to partner with YouthBuild to enroll participants in the WIOA program. The Employment for Independent Living Program, which serves foster youth, also works with and co-enrolls in the Region VI YouthReady program The Region 7 WDB provides applicable referrals to Job Corps as well as allows Job Corps Admissions staff to utilize the One-Stop Career Stop for intake and counseling as needed. DRS counselors provided Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities, especially job exploration counseling, in order to give students with disabilities and their parents/guardians a better understanding of labor market conditions, current and emerging career opportunities, and the necessary education and training requirements related to those opportunities. In program year (PY) 2016, DRS provided Pre-ETS to 2,185 students with disabilities in WV. In addition to ongoing program activities, DRS hosted summer workshops [Career Exploration Opportunity (CEO) Summits] for transition students entering into their senior year of high school. In 2016, the CEO Summits were held in 7 areas across the state; in 2017, the Summits were held in 11 areas. DRS staff participating included the Pre-ETS Counselor, Employment Specialist, and Rehabilitation Service Associates (RSAs) assigned to the Pre-ETS territory. Class size for each of the workshops was approximately 30 students. Students earned minimum wage for the time that they attend. DRS also included representatives from WorkForce WV and WV Adult Education to participate in the workshops to provide additional information to the students. A concerted effort was made to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) to students in the CEO Summits. Topics covered included career planning, career preparation, SSI/SSDI Information, understanding the importance of necessary personal documents, communication, conflict management, employer expectations, attendance and punctuality, timeliness of task completion, being able to work without supervision, positive work ethic, managing multiple tasks, high-growth jobs, personal brand, and job hunting tools such as resumes, cover letters, interviews, and digital profiles. Throughout the academic year, DRS Employment Specialists also provided Pre-ETS at the local high schools. The Employment Specialists conducted mock interviewing, career exploration, and other employment related topics. The Providing Opportunities Within Education and Rehabilitation (POWER) program provides students that ability to job shadow careers that they are interested in. The Employment Specialists have worked to identify a vast array of employers located throughout the State. There are currently 81 employers involved in the POWER Program. In 2016 and 2017, DRS partnered with Community Access, Incorporated (CAI) to implement a program, entitled “Pathways to the Future,” to support the design and implementation of programming and outreach while addressing the new direction mandated by WIOA. Specifically, the program addressed the five required Pre-ETS for high school students with disabilities through an expansion of the Student Transition to Employment Program (STEP). The program assisted school districts by offering training and technical assistance in setting up community-based work experience programs for students with disabilities. The project helped level the playing field between resource-rich metropolitan areas and isolated rural settings that often have few services available. In addition, a strong statewide outreach to teachers, parents, students, and other VR stakeholders was a component of the project. The project had the following goals: 1. To assist school districts in setting up community-based Work Exploration programs. 2. To develop statewide parent training network utilizing the Parent Community Resource Centers. 3. To develop a network of specialists to work with DRS, WorkForce WV, and WV Department of Education (WVDOE) staff. 4. To develop a statewide cross-sector outreach program with a strong emphasis on traditionally underserved populations. DRS has maintained a “Pathways to the Future” website (www.pathwayswv.org), which serves as a self-service resource for students with disabilities statewide to receive Pre-ETS. The website provides valuable information and tools regarding career planning, education planning, independent living, self-determination, and work-based learning. The website was bolstered by banners that were placed in high schools in all 55 counties of the state. Additionally, several pages of the College Foundation of West Virginia’s website (www.cfwv.com) have links to the Pathways website. These banners and links directed students with disabilities to the website and its resources. Strategy 4.3: Offer youth a clear path from their current situation to success.

Career specialists in Region 1 are working diligently to incorporate our 14 key elements and give our youth the career pathways they need to succeed. We have participated in joint projects and activities such as the Build It Keep It Share It Program with Mission West Virginia and the WV PASS Initiative. We are currently partnering with the Community Technical College System to provide Affordable Career Training workshops to area youth throughout the Career and Technical Education Centers in Region 1. These workshops will give students an overview of available programs and grants. Career Advantage, youth program in Region 4 has set in place the system to provide a pathway to success for individuals who are willing to put forth the effort. From “Boot Camp” job readiness training, to Mentoring activities with local employers, this program continues to prepare young adults for success in the workforce, providing them with appropriate work experiences and activities to become tomorrow’s leaders. In order to ensure success for Region 5 Youth Participants, including those with disabilities, we are providing them with the following: Intensive Year-Round Programs and Services that meet their education and employment needs: Linkage to Career Technical Schools and Post-Secondary Schools that align Programs and Services with Career Pathways in response to current labor market data; Youth activities that lead to the attainment of a secondary school diploma, a recognized post-secondary credential or preparation for post-secondary education and training opportunities; Access to activities that enhance “choices;” Access to resources and funding streams that support pathways to provide them with education, skills and access to good jobs and successful careers; and Supportive Services. The Region 6 YouthReady program has expanded support services to include a Housing Assistance support, based upon need, which will aid in providing a much-needed home base stability for youth trying to pursue steady training and or employment. The HRDF YouthReady program in Region VI has promoted the youth program through visits to facilities such as the Mountaineer Challenge Academy, Kenneth Honey Rubenstein Center, and participation in Partner meetings, website marketing on the HRDF website and Facebook pages, and through marketing on the Region 6 One Stop Partner Network Facebook page. WVDRS continues to work with HRDF to provide referrals to the youth program as appropriate. A recruitment event held in Elkins, WV targeted youth with disabilities, with the youth referred by WVDRS to HRDF. Targeted recruitment of youth with disabilities through events like this will continue. In 2016 and 2017, DRS worked with 8 county school systems to develop work exploration programs for students with disabilities. A Work Exploration Program Implementation Manual for school systems to utilize is available on PathwaysWV.org. This detailed guide can assist school systems in the development, or enhancement, of cost-effective work exploration programs. To ensure alignment, all WIOA core programs have mutual memorandums of understanding that help facilitate an integrated service delivery system. The WIOA core partners will continue to maintain communication at the state and local levels on a regular basis. Information will be shared among the partners in order to provide better and more efficient services to individuals enrolled in one or more programs and to employers served by the system.

All core partners are represented on the State’s Interagency Collaborative Team (ICT), a group centered around WorkForce West Virginia to provide on—going attention to addressing issues that will build and continually improve the overall WDS. The team is the single State—level interagency group for addressing issues or concerns regarding building and maintaining the most effective and efficient implementation of the overall WDS in WV. All partner agencies participate in regular, monthly meetings of the ICT, and is one of the signatories of the ICT Memorandum of Understanding, which is drafted annually. The ICT membership includes:

• WorkForce West Virginia

• Wagner—Peyser/Labor Exchange

• Bureau of Senior Services

• Council for Community and Technical College Education

• Department of Education and the Arts

• West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services

• Department of Education

• Office of Adult Education and Workforce Development

• Office of Institutional Education Programs

• Department of Health and Human Resources

• Division of Corrections

• Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety

• Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority

• West Virginia Development Office

• Business and Industrial Development

All core partners have a Memorandum of Understanding with each of the seven local Workforce Development Board regions in the State, and is represented within each local board. Core partners also provide services through One—Stop Centers located in the seven regions. Core partners also represented on the State’s Workforce Development Board, which meets quarterly to assist in the development of a state plan that will enhance the capacity and performance of the WDS; align and improve the workforce programs and investments; and promote economic growth.