To support policymaking that helps develop an agile, future-ready labor pool, West Virginia University is partnering with RAND to turn world-class research into practical solutions for evolving job markets — focusing on workforce development and education.
Launching this year, the innovative collaboration will leverage the University’s land-grant mission and R1 research capacity with analysis and expertise from RAND, a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization that has informed policymaking at all levels of government for nearly eight decades.
The project will identify workforce trends and solutions, with a specific focus on apprenticeships, stackable credentials and career pathways, and career technical education.
“At West Virginia University, part of our mission is to deliver solutions to real-world problems, and this partnership will allow us to expand our efforts in workforce development,” President Gordon Gee said.
“Working with RAND, our faculty and student researchers will be able to develop and implement policy recommendations that enhance state and national workforce strategies with potential benefits across the Mountain State and around the world, positioning our University and our state as a national leader.”
Initially, the work will focus on exploring enhancements for apprenticeship opportunities, promoting career mapping that includes stackable credentials and occupational transitions, and expanding career technical education courses to meet workforce needs.
The goal is to address shifts in the labor market, technological challenges and training deficiencies.
“Collectively, we have the ability to uncover pragmatic, evidence-based guidance that can bolster career pathways across industries and demographic groups in the 21st century economy,” University Vice President for Research Fred King said.
“This is the kind of transformative research that could potentially change economic trajectories for entire communities and regions.”
Initial research findings from the collaboration that could serve as a model for other states are expected by the end of this year.
“This partnership is a natural fit,” said Jason Matheny, RAND president and CEO. “RAND and WVU share a commitment to improving people’s lives through research and action. Our partnership will provide a model for how to harness the power of policy research and analysis to serve the needs of such an important part of the country.”
Andrew Hoehn, RAND’s senior vice president for research and analysis, agreed.
“This partnership will allow both of our organizations to accomplish something together that we could not accomplish alone,” he said.
RAND officials will join WVU representatives at Focus Forward, a free statewide conference about issues affecting West Virginia, on April 22 at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place in Morgantown.
