Hope Gas, Logan County Schools Join Up For Technical Education

Logan County students now have access to high-level careers in the utilities and energy sector through the Hope Pathways program.  

Starting next school year, students at Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Education Center can earn energy industry certifications while working toward high school graduation.  

The effort is a partnership between the West Virginia Board of Education and the Department of Education, Hope Gas and Logan County Schools.  

Hope Gas understands the importance of creating opportunities in the field, according to a statement from the Board of Education. By partnering with public schools, the company opens access to advanced training and work-based learning that helps students build skills directly applicable to high-demand jobs. This creates a clear pathway to employment upon graduation. 

“At Hope Gas, we believe West Virginia’s future is so bright. The Hope Pathways program is opening doors to helping build that future for students and for generations to come,” Hope Gas President and CEO Morgan O’Brien said. “Hope Gas is proud to partner with the West Virginia Board of Education and Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Center to train the next generation of West Virginia’s energy workforce. These students are preparing for a strong future with high-skill, family-sustaining job opportunities right here in West Virginia. The future is brighter knowing together we are building qualified graduates who will one day be an important part of the Hope Gas workforce.” 

Hunter Maynard is one of the first students enrolled in the Utilities and Energy Systems Initiative. He joined Gov. Patrick Morrisey at a press conference to announce the program Thursday. 

“Thank you for looking at Logan County and seeing what we can do,” Maynard said. “You didn’t just see a struggling area. You saw a bunch of students who are ready to put the effort in by bringing this program to our school; you’re investing in our future. You’re giving us the skills and hands-on experience to get great jobs right here at home.” 

With Career and Technical Education awareness, exploration and engagement available at all grade levels, students have access to greater hands-on and workforce development opportunities throughout their public education journey. This increases their outlook whether they pursue education, employment or enlistment after graduation. 

“We talk about these big plans of how we can get to 50 gigawatts of energy by 2050 which is going to take a lot of work, right?” Morrisey said. “But you don’t get to do it without investing in your workers. When we’ve been working to build out economic development in West Virginia, we’re trying to do that by focusing on the next generation of West Virginians. What type of skills are you learning to be ready for the jobs of tomorrow over the next 20 years?” 

The Hope Pathways program is open to juniors and seniors in Logan County.