Generation West Virginia Expands NewForce with Data Analytics Program


A New Pathway to High-Tech Careers for West Virginians

September 16th, 2024 – West Virginia – Generation West Virginia (GWV) is excited to announce a new addition to its flagship NewForce program: a Data Analytics curriculum for the next cohort, launching in January 2025. This move reflects the growing demand for skilled data analysts across industries like healthcare, education, and government, and underscores New Force’s commitment to preparing West Virginians for a thriving tech economy.

With data analytics becoming a critical tool for making informed business decisions, industries are seeking professionals who can dive into large sets of data and pull out meaningful insights. Whether in healthcare, manufacturing, or even education, data analysts play an essential role in driving innovation and efficiency. This new curriculum will ensure NewForce graduates are ready to meet that demand.

Casey Patterson, Program Director of NewForce, is especially thrilled about this launch:
“The NewForce team is so excited to announce the launch of a new data analytics program for our next cohort of trainees! Our team is hard at work preparing to implement a proven curriculum, developed in partnership with the Nashville Software School. More importantly, we are excited to continue training West Virginians for a growing tech economy in the Mountain State.”

A data analyst transforms raw data into useful information that organizations use to make strategic decisions. They work with tools like SQL, Python, and Tableau to analyze and present data in ways that matter. Their skills are increasingly valuable in nearly every industry, making it a solid career choice with lots of room for growth.

The new Data Analytics curriculum at NewForce will cover a blend of technical and professional skills, including:

  • Technical Skills: SQL, Python, Tableau, Power BI, and Excel
  • Professional Skills: Analytical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork
  • Career Readiness: Resume building, interview preparation, and learning about workplace culture

NewForce is a tuition-free program, making tech careers more accessible to West Virginians. Students may also be eligible to receive a living stipend and take advantage of a laptop rental program, allowing students to focus on learning without financial stress.

NewForce is more than just a training program; it’s a launchpad for long-term career success. With career development support, mock interviews with industry pros, personalized job placement guidance, and an industry-recognized curriculum, graduates leave ready to tackle the tech world.

Applications are open from September 16 – October 18, 2024.

About Generation WV

Generation West Virginia equips young West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities, ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State. By connecting young adults with resources, opportunities and each other through their workforce development initiatives, GWV is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous West Virginia for generations to come. To learn more, visit www.generationwv.org.