New program to give high school students career readiness skills

Posted by author January 23, 2025 Jobs

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Jane Imbody
| Reporter assisted by AI

PIKETON — A new partnership between the United Steel Workers Local 689 and Waverly High School is offering students a pathway to career readiness.

Starting this year, Waverly students 17 and older can participate in the Manufacturing Skills Standard Certification (MSSC) training program. The program, funded through a Department of Energy grant from the Appalachia Clean Energy program, will provide students with the training and qualifications needed for many entry-level jobs in the community.

Companies like Fluor-BWXT, Centrus and Mid-America Conversion Services have all submitted letters of support for the program.

“This program will help us merge the gap with students who aren’t sure what they want to do after graduation and help them find a path towards career success,” Waverly High School Principal Sara Ramsey said. “We are seeing a new appreciation for skilled workers and trades, and by refocusing training we can give these students an opportunity to get the qualifications they need to start their careers.”

Another program introduces students to the manufacturing industry

Another program, the Certified Production Technician (CPT) certification, was developed for students with no prior or only limited knowledge of manufacturing. Students will meet with trainers twice a week after school for 12 weeks and study safety, quality and manufacturing processes and production.

While the program does not come with a job guarantee, it equips students with the qualifications to apply to many jobs in the region.

“As one of the largest employers in the region, it is great to see a program that focuses on a young population in the workforce,” Fluor-BWXT President and CEO Greg Wilkett said. “Training them early and focusing on safety will help prepare them to start their careers.”

In addition to existing industry, the program has also received letters of support from companies considering future development at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant site.

“As job growth comes to our region, one of the greatest needs will be a skilled workforce,” USW 689 President Herman Potter said. “Programs like this will help fill that need and strengthen our local economy.”

Program applications still being accepted

The program can accommodate around 25 students. Both the USW and Waverly City Schools are excited about what this could mean for students.

“Our students can find success in a variety of ways,” Waverly Superintendent Bill Hoover said. “One of the greatest things we can give our kids is hope, and programs like this help instill hope for all of our students to believe there is opportunity for them. We are grateful for this partnership with the USW Local 689 and the potential it provides for our students.”

Parents interested in the program can call Waverly High School at 740-947-7701 for more information.

This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct/.