McDowell County Schools have announced a new partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education to expand vocational training opportunities for local students. The initiative, unveiled on September 18, will introduce programs focused on mining safety and healthcare certifications, two fields critical to the region’s economy and future workforce. The programs are scheduled to begin this fall and are open to high school students across the district.

Participants will gain industry-recognized certifications—ranging from OSHA-compliant mine safety to entry-level healthcare credentials—that can lead directly to jobs or provide a foundation for further education.

The goal is to equip young residents with practical skills that match the needs of employers in southern West Virginia, while creating incentives to stay and work in the county. McDowell has faced decades of population decline and economic hardship as coal employment shrank, leaving many families searching for stable careers. By targeting mining safety and healthcare, the school system and the state aim to build on local strengths: mining remains part of the county’s identity, and healthcare continues to offer steady demand as the population ages. Enrollment for the new classes opens in the coming weeks.

The district plans to provide additional guidance counselors and career resources to help students understand how these certifications can translate into immediate employment or further training at community colleges and technical institutes. Residents and educators view the partnership as a practical investment in the county’s future.

With federal aid uncertain and traditional industries in flux, the program offers a concrete path to employment and economic resilience—an important step in giving McDowell’s next generation a reason to build their lives at home.