Department of Economic and Workforce Development

The Department of Economic and Workforce Development is committed to providing a skilled and trained workforce for our local business and industries, and personal growth for the regional community.  We deliver this through customized workforce training, continuing education, and community enrichment courses. We address local workforce needs for emerging, existing, and entrepreneurial businesses through customizable programs and training courses, certification and pre-employment testing, and the Small Business Development Center.  We provide consultation on training needs and deliver high quality and cost-effective training.   

Customized Contracted Instruction

The College offers local businesses, industries and organizations customized credit and non-credit courses, short-term workshops, and seminars according to their needs. The instruction can cover a broad array of topics provided on-site or at one of the Northern campuses. Instructors are members of the full-time faculty or field professionals. Employers realize significant savings since costs are directly related to instruction. For information, contact the Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development at 304-214-8967.  Several initiatives we can deliver to align education and training with an employer’s needs are:

• Workplace Skill Set Programs: These programs are short-term programs designed to give individuals skills needed for success in the workplace in specific employment areas. These programs include only the specific skills needed and thus require less time for completion than a traditional degree or certificate program. However, most of these programs are designed so that they can be used as part of the requirements for a degree program, thus creating a degreed career pathway for interested individuals.
• Apprenticeships: WVNCC partners with the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Apprenticeship Programs, on several industry apprenticeships.   We can assist with development of a program, related training instruction, and will work with businesses and industries according to their on-the-job training requirements.  
• Flexible Degree Programs: (more detailed information on the following 2 programs can be found under the Academic Program section of this catalog) Northern offers flexible degree programs which are designed to credential the training and education individuals obtain outside a normal degree program or from non-collegiate providers.
  • Technical Studies A.A.S.:This program is designed to provide cooperative educational opportunities leading to associate degrees for employees and students participating in quality education and training programs sponsored by business, industry, labor, government, or agencies. Required components in the program include general education, classroom instruction in a technical core, and in the occupation area. College credit may be awarded for on the job training and/or supervised work-based learning.
  • Occupational Development A.A.S.:This program is developed through an agreement with the local Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) to create the degree program curriculum that will include student learning in three components: general education, classroom occupational training, and On the Job Training (OJT). A minimum amount of general education is required, and the amount of classroom occupational training will be determined by the number of classroom contact hours in the RAP. On the Job training may be credited; a statement of the total number of OJT contact hours experienced by the RAP participants also may be placed on the student’s college record (according to state-established guidelines).

Continuing Education

These courses are designed for the non-degree-seeking student to meet specific needs related to professional career development topics. The specialized courses are generally of short duration and are designed for job skills enhancement and certification requirements. Please contact the Director of Economic and Workforce Development at 304-214-8975 or visit our website for more information.

Online Continuing Education Courses

In addition to the above courses, Northern offers online continuing education courses through partnerships with ed2go, 360 Training, and other providers. Students may take a large array of courses at their convenience. Please contact the Continuing & Community Education Program Manager at 304-214-8969 or visit our website for more information.

Testing Department

Northern has contracts with multiple national and state licensing agencies to provide testing in a proctored facility.  These are industry testing, pre-employment testing, certifications, and licensing exams.  For further information or to schedule a test, please contact the Continuing & Community Education Program Manager at 304-214-8969 or go to our website for a list of our test offerings. 

Community Education

Northern offers courses and seminars for personal enrichment, cultural interests, and educational pursuits through community education programming. For information about courses or to request specific offerings, please contact the Administrative Assistant at 304-214-8968 or go to our website for more information.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The SBDC provides consultation, training, and problem-solving services to existing, potential and start-up small businesses within the College’s six-county service area. Services provided by the department include assistance with business plans, loan applications, and networking with local and state agencies as well as businesses to access available resources. The SBDC office is located on the Wheeling Campus, but the Program Manager regularly meets with clients in Weirton, New Martinsville and in other communities throughout the district. Please contact the SBDC Representative Donna Schramm at 304-214-8973 for more information.

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)

WVNCC partners with the Northern Panhandle Workforce Development Board to ensure West Virginia’s unemployed, underemployed, and dislocated workers have opportunities to train/retrain in a community college setting. These educational programs are limited to state approved programs. WIOA participants are also eligible for other forms of financial aid, including Pell Grants and work study. All applicants must first be certified eligible by the Northern Panhandle Workforce Development Board – 304-232-6280.  College financial aid questions should be directed to the financial aid office at (304) 233-5900 ext. 8844.

HEAPS Grant – Workforce Development Component

The West Virginia Legislature established a Higher Education Adult Part-time Student (HEAPS) Grant Program to address the needs of students who pursue programs of postsecondary education on a part time basis in high demand workforce-oriented programs. Students must demonstrate financial need plus meet other qualifications as established in the legislation. The Workforce Development staff and Financial Aid staff at WVNCC will assist students with this program.  Please call the Financial Aid office at (304) 233-5900 ext. 8844.

Learn and Earn

Through the Learn and Earn program, Northern partners with West Virginia businesses, industries and organizations to employ traditional college students as paid interns to assist in meeting their company’s workforce needs.  Companies may be eligible for a grant to cover a portion of costs of the interns’ salary, based on state-established regulations. In return, those students will earn college credit in their degree program and valuable on the job work experience. Contact the Vice President of Economic and Workforce Development at 304-214-8967 for additional information.