Celebrating the Success of Jobs & Hope WV’s Heavy Equipment Operators Course Graduates

Jobs & Hope West Virginia, in collaboration with the West Virginia National Guard, West Virginia Military Authority, and the Contractors Association of West Virginia, recently honored the latest graduates of the Heavy Equipment Operators Course at the 2025 West Virginia Construction + Design Expo. This significant event, held at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center, brought together industry professionals, potential employers, and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of these hardworking individuals.

Training for a Brighter Future

The Heavy Equipment Operators Course provides intensive, hands-on training designed to equip participants with the skills and certifications needed to secure employment in the construction industry. Over a rigorous 28-day program, this month’s 11 graduates—including seven Jobs & Hope WV participants and four students from the Mountaineer Job ChalleNGe Program—completed 214 hours of instruction. Their training included experience operating dozers, hydraulic excavators, backhoes, graders, and rollers, as well as earning OSHA-10 Safety Certification and First Aid Certification. Additionally, they received instruction in environmental stewardship, soil properties, preventative maintenance, surveying operations, and job site safety.

Since the program’s inception in 2019, 297 individuals have completed the course, with over 60% securing employment after graduation. The impact of this training extends beyond technical skills—it provides participants with confidence, stability, and a path to long-term career success.

A Ceremony to Remember

The graduation ceremony featured a lineup of distinguished speakers who commended the graduates for their hard work and dedication. Cindy Bailey, Director of Economic Development for the West Virginia Military Authority, and Jobs & Hope WV Director Lorrie Smith spoke about the vital role programs like this play in strengthening West Virginia’s workforce and economy.

Newly elected State Treasurer Larry Pack emphasized the importance of workforce training programs and how they are preparing West Virginians for long-term career success. Joshua Edwards of Orders Construction Company Inc., a strong supporter of the program, shared an inspiring success story about a graduate who started as a day laborer and, through dedication and perseverance, worked her way up to a superintendent position within the company.

The keynote speaker, newly appointed Adjutant General James “Jim” D. Seward, praised the graduates for their determination and commitment to self-improvement. He joined Jobs & Hope WV Director Lorrie Smith in presenting certificates and congratulating the graduates on their achievements.

Connecting Graduates with Opportunities

In addition to receiving their certificates, graduates had the opportunity to network with industry professionals and participate in job interviews at the 2025 West Virginia Construction + Design Expo. The expo is one of the premier construction industry events in the region, attracting over 3,600 attendees, 275 exhibitors, and offering 80 seminars focused on industry advancements and workforce development.

By participating in the expo, graduates were able to showcase their newly acquired skills, connect with potential employers, and explore opportunities for their future careers.

A Program That Changes Lives

Jobs & Hope WV continues to make a lasting impact by providing individuals with the resources, education, and support they need to overcome barriers and build meaningful careers. The Heavy Equipment Operators Course is just one example of how the program is helping West Virginians transition from hardship to hope, equipping them with the skills needed for a successful future.

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