The grants will help support workforce training opportunities in highway construction and welding.
BridgeValley Community & Technical College has received two separate grants to support its workforce training efforts. The grants, which include $257,408 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration’s Highway Construction Training Program and a $20,000 WV Advance Grant, will support highway construction training and welding training, respectively.
According to an article on BridgeValley Community & Technical College’s website that discusses the highway construction training grant, Kristi Sarrett, who serves as the college’s Dean of Workforce Development and Technical Education, was quoted as saying, “This investment allows us to expand access to careers that are critical to West Virginia’s infrastructure and economic growth. We are equipping students with the skills employers need while creating clear pathways into stable, well-paying jobs.”
The West Virginia Advanced Highway Training Program is a new initiative that seeks to combat shortages in highway construction and infrastructure. The initiative will be served to students through the college’s Highway Engineering Technology Associate of Applied Science degree, which gives students hands-on instruction in highway construction and bridge inspection. Students will also receive industry credentials in the field.
The grant project runs from April 1, 2026 to October 31, 2028.
In a separate article on the college’s website that discusses the welding workforce training grant, Sarrett is quoted as saying, “Workforce demand for skilled welders remains strong across West Virginia. This grant allows us to strengthen our training environment and better prepare students for high-quality, in-demand careers.”
The funding will provide the college’s Welding Technology program with new equipment that will enhance the program’s oxy-fuel welding course. Students will use the new equipment to learn welding, cutting, and brazing, which are essential skills for welding careers. The new equipment is also expected to help the college enhance its relationships with regional welding employers, providing students with connections within the industry.
The college expects to purchase equipment with the funding within the next year.
For more information about BridgeValley Community & Technical College, visit the school’s website.