Many believe that West Virginia employment opportunities are scarce given the nature of many of the industries but that is not the case. In fact there are many booming industries offering West Virginia employment to current residents or those looking to move from another area of the world.
Large cities like Huntington and Charleston are just a few hours from the coastal beaches of neighboring Virginia and give those living in the state a great place to escape for a summer vacation. Whether a person is looking for West Virginia employment in the education, industrial, or health care sector the state has more than ample opportunities for gainful employment.
West Virginia unemployment
West Virginia unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) increased from October 2008 to October 2009 by 4.2% to a rate of 8.5%
[Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics]
West Virgina Employment Opportunities
Over the past several decades West Virginia employment opportunities have been focused on industries such as coal mining. Coal mining provides more than 40,000 of the state’s residents with West Virginia employment each year with coal being mined in nearly every county. While coal mining and other industrial positions are still popular more and more are choosing to enter into the education and health related fields.
Some of the largest employers in Huntington, the second largest city in the state, include Cabell Huntington Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital. Huntington is also home to Marshall University which offers a medical program in addition to business, education, and other four year degree programs. Many graduates of Marshall University stay in the area following the completion of the degree and become lifelong residents of the state.
The state capital of Charleston is popular for those wanting to get into the technology field as well as those who enjoy working in politics. Most of the local news providers work out of the state capital making it a popular location for communications specialists. Morgantown, a smaller city located a few hours from the state capital, is home to West Virginia University which offers many West Virginia employment opportunities. West Virginia employment opportunities exist for all ages and all educational backgrounds.
Many service related industries such as retail sales and insurance sales thrive in the state. For those who prefer a slower pace a large portion of the state is peppered with rural communities and wilderness. Many men and women working in West Virginia are employed by the state’s division of wildlife and forestry. More than 30,000 work as park and forest rangers throughout the seven state forests. Another West Virginia employment source is located in the skiing industry. West Virginia is home to two large ski resorts. Snow Shoe employs approximately 1500 and Winterplace employs many local and internationals during peak seasons.
West Virgina Employment Resources
Workforce West Virginia (www.workforcewv.org) is the most used resource for those looking for Virginia employment. The site notes the most sought after jobs across the state, provides information on unemployment compensation and job search assistance, and provides residents with information regarding state employment rates by county and industry. Work Force West Virginia works in conjunction with the West Virginia Department of Labor and is generally the first place major employment opportunities in the state are listed. Work Force West Virginia has several regional offices where additional services such as training are available for those with limited experience.
Manpower (www.us.manpower.com) is a nationally known agency that works with many in the state to help locate West Virginia employment. In West Virginia many employers advertise their open positions in the newspaper as well as online. The Huntington Herald Dispatch (www.herald-dispatch.com) and the Charleston Gazette (www.wvgazette.com) offer a wide selection of West Virginia employment classified ads.
West Virgina Living Conditions
Recent economic conditions have hit West Virginia hard. Many large industries that once provided thousands of jobs in more rural locations have shut their doors forcing laborers to search for other West Virginia employment. In recent months the economy has started to bounce back slightly and the outlook is positive for those moving into the area from out of state.
The median household income in the state is approximately 50,000 for a two person household but the cost of living is low in most areas of the state. Most people own their homes though a large number of transplants rent apartments or houses near their place of employment.
West Virginia is a place that experiences four distinct seasons with the summer temperatures in the nineties for most of the season. Winter in West Virginia differs depending on the location. Higher elevations receive more snowfall than lower elevations and temperatures can get below zero on occasion during the months of December and January. West Virginia employment isn’t the only reason people come to the state. Many of the larger cities are located along either the Ohio or Kanawha rivers where many take their boats during the summer months. In addition to the ski resorts West Virginia is also home to the New River Gorge Bridge where thousands of people visit and take part in the annual bridge day each October.
West Virgina Employment
West Virginia may not be the most populous state in the union but it has a lot to offer. Recent renovations and expansion of local hospitals and universities coupled with the long standing industries of the region make the Wild and Wonderful state worth considering.
The close proximity to many other states as well as the vast wilderness that covers large areas gives residents a place to escape from their day to day life without going to far from home. In terms of location, opportunity and types of jobs available give those in need of West Virginia employment many chances to succeed.
