By Governor Earl Ray Tomblin
This week, I had the opportunity to join students from Wayne High School and Robert C. Byrd High School to talk about West Virginia’s bright future and the number of exciting opportunities that await them in the Mountain State.
West Virginia has tremendous potential for economic growth in a variety of industries and sectors from energy to petrochemicals to tourism. The opportunities available to our young people that come with this growth are incredible. “My State, My Life” assures our young people can build the career of their dreams right in West Virginia.
Choosing a path after high school is one of the biggest decisions our students make. There are endless possibilities and specialized programs available, and I’ve made it a priority to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed at the next level. We have a variety of education and training options available across the state, including technical training through an Advanced Careers Program, apprenticeships, a two-year degree at one of our community and technical colleges, or a four-year degree at a state college or university. Even with these specialized programs, the message to our students is clear – it doesn’t matter which path you choose, as long as you choose one.
Recent studies show that West Virginia will generate 30,000 new jobs each year through 2018, and nearly 60 percent of these jobs will require at least a two-year degree. A vast number of these will be high-skilled, high-paying jobs in the energy, advanced manufacturing, information technology and healthcare industries.
We’re ushering in an era of change – one that will provide our students with opportunities for a great life here in the Mountain State. Our state has never before had the opportunities available our young people have today, tomorrow and for decades to come.
During my 2014 State of the State Address, I had the opportunity to recognize two outstanding young men who have found great success working in West Virginia, and at the same time, are making a positive difference in their home state.
I met Robert Moorehead and Michael Powell during a 13-day European investment mission last October. Both West Virginia University engineering graduates, Robert and Michael run West Virginia operations for Pietro Fiorentini, an Italian company that manufactures equipment for the growing natural gas industry.
Young people like Robert and Michael are our future. They worked hard, earned their degrees and are using their education to help generate good jobs here in the Mountain State. This is a story that can be heard countless times over across the state. West Virginians are finding opportunities for promising careers here at home, and thanks to the many options for an affordable higher education across West Virginia, success stories like these are within reach for all West Virginians.
For more information about the “My State, My Life” campaign or to learn more about the post-secondary education and workforce training options available in West Virginia, visit www.mystatemylife.com and follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MyStateMyLifeWV.
