“Pathways to Progress” Will Focus on Tools, Trends, and Talent for Employers Across the State
(Charleston, WV) April 9, 2025 – Generation West Virginia will host the Pathways to Progress: Charting a Course for West Virginia’s Future Workforce conference on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, in Charleston. The one-day event is designed to provide employers, managers, human resource professionals, and community leaders with insight into current workforce trends, challenges, and available resources across sectors in West Virginia.
The conference will explore strategies for recruiting and retaining talent, accessing workforce funding, and adapting to emerging workplace dynamics, such as remote work and AI integration.
“West Virginia’s economy is strongest when our workforce is prepared, supported, and empowered,” said Alex Weld, Executive Director of Generation West Virginia. “This conference brings together employers and thought leaders from across the state to address the challenges we face and share real solutions and innovations that are already driving success. We’re proud to offer this space for collaboration and action.”
Key Themes and Sessions:
- Opening Remarks: Featuring Wing 2 Wing Foundation representatives, the session will highlight Generation WV’s programs and outline the day’s agenda.
- Unlocking Workforce Funding: A discussion on state-level incentives and business funding opportunities, with speakers including Secretary of Commerce Matt Herridge and Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor Dr. Sarah Armstrong Tucker. The panel will address apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and incumbent worker training. Moderated by Brandon Dennison, Vice President for Workforce and Economic Development at Marshall University.
- How to Create a Successful Internship Program: Internships can be a powerful tool for attracting and developing future talent. This session will guide employers through the key steps of building a structured internship program. Learn how to create an experience that benefits both interns and your organization. The National Association of Colleges and Employers will lead this presentation, which will include key takeaways from their latest Intern & Co-op Survey and Internship Guide.
- Spotlight on Emerging Leaders: Featuring a series of quick talks from young professionals from organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, Coalfield Development, and Williamson Health and Wellness, who will share their experiences and perspectives on workforce innovation and leadership in West Virginia.
- Artificial Intelligence and the Workforce: Introduced by Senator Glenn Jeffries and led by Microsoft, this session will explore how AI is expected to impact West Virginia’s workforce over the next 3–5 years, with input from local technology and strategy leaders.
- Creative Solutions to Workforce Talent Pipeline Challenges: Across West Virginia, organizations are rethinking how to attract, train, and retain talent in the face of ongoing workforce challenges. This panel brings together leaders from healthcare, energy, higher education, and innovation to explore bold, forward-thinking strategies that are reshaping the talent pipeline. Attendees will leave with fresh ideas, practical examples, and new perspectives on how to strengthen their own workforce efforts—whether through education, entrepreneurship, community investment, or workplace innovation.
- Future Ready WV: A conversation moderated by Ashley Glance, President of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, and featuring speakers from across the state, including Delegate Kayla Young and Director of the Small Business Development Center, Will Miller, who will discuss foundational workforce issues, such as access to childcare and its impact on economic mobility and employment.
The event will draw employers and leadership from various industries, including healthcare, education, energy, manufacturing, and public service. In addition to informative sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with workforce experts, policymakers, and fellow business leaders.
“We are thrilled to support Generation West Virginia’s Pathways to Progress Conference and the transformational effort to unite key employers and stakeholders of our state,” said supporters Brad and Alys Smith of the Wing to Wing Foundation. “The opportunity for us to gather to celebrate each other’s victories and to learn from one another is a crucial step in understanding what’s working and where we need to put our focus. The future of our workforce depends on this level of collaboration, and that is an investment that is a critical priority for us.”
The full agenda and registration information are available at https://generationwv.org/pathways-to-progress/
About Generation West Virginia:
Generation West Virginia equips young West Virginians with key skills and career opportunities, ensuring their ability to thrive in the Mountain State. GWV is committed to building a stronger, more prosperous West Virginia for generations to come by connecting young adults with resources, opportunities, and each other through workforce development initiatives. To learn more, visit www.generationwv.org.
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