May 14, 2018
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – More than 400 Career Technical Education (CTE) students from across the state received recognition by earning the second annual Governor’s Workforce Credential (GWC) today. Students were honored for meeting or exceeding rigid criteria that measures applicable real-world and work-readiness skills their CTE programs.
Governor Justice’s office along with West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Paine, Associate Superintendent, Dr. Kathy D’Antoni, and members of the West Virginia Board of Education recognized the students from 60 high schools during a ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center.
“The future belongs to the skilled workforce, and these students will be leading the way,” said Governor Justice. “I commend these students for their achievement, and I am inspired by their hard work and dedication. Talking with these young men and women gives me great hope for the economic future of West Virginia.”
The GWC was created to ensure that West Virginia’s developing workforce has industry-ready skills to meet high-quality business and industry expectations. Earning a GWC will allow employers to quickly identify potential employees for a variety of skilled job openings.
“West Virginia’s Governor’s Workforce Credential verifies to employers that these individuals have gone above and beyond in their field of study and are ready to enter the workforce as leaders,” Paine said. “Working together with the Governor’s office and employers, allows the West Virginia Department of Education to truly prepare students for success after high school.”
To achieve the Governor’s Workforce Credential, students must successfully meet the following criteria:
I. Obtain a grade of “B” or better in the four required state-approved CTE Program of Study courses;
II. Accomplish a minimum score of 95% on the CTE portfolio;
III. Attain a verified school attendance rate of 95% or higher during the senior year;
IV. Score at an elite level of 70 or higher on the industry-recognized audit;
V. Earn an industry certification that coincides with a state-approved CTE Program of Study in accordance with the West Virginia Board of Education Policy 2520.13; and,
VI. Pass a minimum of two documented drug screenings.
A complete list of honored students can be found by visiting: https://wvde.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/2018govworkforcecred-recipients.pdf.