Jobs & Hope WV Hosts Opportunity Expo to Connect Job Seekers With Employers and Community Resources
VIENNA, W.Va. — Jobs & Hope West Virginia hosted an Opportunity Expo at Grand Central Mall on Wednesday, Oct. 14, bringing together job seekers, employers and community organizations to expand access to employment opportunities and help individuals overcome barriers to career success.
The event connected attendees with employers offering fair-chance hiring opportunities, workforce training and community resources. Participating employers and organizations included Kay Jewelers, the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, other labor unions, Westbrook Health Services and additional resource providers.
Deb Harris, manager of Jobs & Hope WV, said the expo encouraged job seekers to explore career opportunities and apply for available positions directly with employers.
“Events like this give people the opportunity to connect face-to-face with employers, ask questions and learn about the resources available to help them move forward,” Harris said.
Established by the West Virginia Legislature in 2019, Jobs & Hope WV is a statewide program that serves residents across all 55 counties. The program helps individuals overcome barriers to employment by connecting them with education, workforce training, employment opportunities and community-based services.
Through its network of transition agents and community partners, Jobs & Hope WV works to address challenges that can prevent individuals from entering or advancing in the workforce. Partners in attendance include organizations such as Westbrook Health Services, Goodwill, Marshall Health and the CORE program.
The program also works with employers to promote recovery-friendly workplace practices and inclusive hiring. During the Opportunity Expo, employers had the opportunity to participate in recovery-friendly workplace training designed to support more inclusive employment practices.
Building pathways to long-term careers
A central focus of Jobs & Hope WV is helping participants move beyond immediate employment needs and toward sustainable careers that provide long-term financial stability.
While immediate employment can help individuals meet short-term needs, career employment offers opportunities for advancement, employer-sponsored benefits, retirement savings and long-term security for individuals and their families.
“Career employment is about thinking long term,” Harris said. “We want people to set goals, understand the importance of benefits and retirement, and build careers that allow them to provide for themselves and their families.”
Education and workforce training are important components of that process. During the expo, attendees expressed interest in opportunities to improve their skills, pursue additional education and qualify for higher-paying positions.
Harris also highlighted the skilled trades as a promising career pathway, with labor unions offering training opportunities, competitive wages and benefits.
Connecting employers with second-chance talent
Eric King, apprenticeship coordinator with the West Virginia Laborers’ Union, attended the expo to share information about apprenticeship and employment opportunities in industries such as road and bridge construction, industrial plants, building construction, gas distribution and pipeline projects.
King emphasized the value of union careers, which can offer structured training, competitive compensation, health care and retirement benefits. He also discussed the importance of second-chance employment for individuals in recovery and those with criminal histories.
“People who need a second chance can become some of our best employees,” King said.
By participating in community events, employers and labor organizations can reach potential workers, explain available career pathways and help individuals understand the opportunities available to them.
Strengthening community partnerships
Beyond connecting job seekers with employers, the Opportunity Expo provided an opportunity for businesses and community organizations to build relationships and identify ways to better support workers.
Harris said success includes not only helping individuals secure employment but also strengthening partnerships that improve hiring practices, connect people with needed services and support employees as they work toward their goals.
The event also created an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, explore available resources and engage directly with organizations in their community.
Jobs & Hope WV plans to continue hosting Opportunity Expos throughout the state to expand access to employment opportunities, promote fair-chance hiring and connect West Virginians with resources that support long-term career success.
For more information about Jobs & Hope WV or to learn how to enroll in the program, visit jobsandhope.wv.gov.
About Jobs & Hope WV
Established by the West Virginia Legislature in 2019, Jobs & Hope WV is a statewide program that helps West Virginians overcome barriers to employment through education, workforce training, career development and connections to community resources. Serving all 55 counties, the program works with individuals, employers and community partners to create pathways to sustainable employment and long-term success. Learn more at jobsandhope.wv.gov.
