§ 5B-2D-3 — Training program

The West Virginia Development Office shall develop a business and industrial training program, the purpose of which is to provide assistance for new or expanding businesses for the training, retraining or upgrading of the skills of potential employees. The program shall emphasize employee training specifically designed to accommodate the needs of individual employers. The program shall encourage the expansion of existing businesses and industries within the state, promote retention of businesses and industries within the state, promote retention of existing jobs within the state, prevent economic and industrial out-migration, and assist in the relocation of out-of-state businesses and industries in the state. Under this program, the West Virginia Development Office may pay up to one hundred percent or $2,000 per employee, whichever is less, of training costs of new employees in firms creating at least ten jobs in a one-year period. Training assistance may also be provided to existing businesses in cases in which training, retraining or upgrading services will result in the retention of existing jobs or the creation of additional jobs, or both: Provided, That the West Virginia Development Office may pay up to one hundred percent or $10,000 per employee, whichever is less, for the training, retraining or upgrading. Training costs associated with this program will be paid directly by the training provider.

Provision of training services will depend upon the employer meeting program requirements as set forth by the West Virginia Development Office and this article. The state of West Virginia guarantees if employer satisfaction is not achieved, the West Virginia Development Office will carefully review the effectiveness of the recently completed training plan and program with the employer and the training provider. After such review, if the West Virginia Development Office determines that the training program was inadequate to meet the employer's specifications and satisfaction as originally agreed to, then those employees so trained shall be eligible for retraining under the guarantee provision except when the training program curriculum or provider were selected solely at the discretion of the employer, then no such additional training shall be considered or approved: Provided, That in no instance may the cost of training and retraining an employee exceed $4,000.

Legislative History

2004 Reg. Sess., HB4132; 1991 Reg. Sess., HB2252; 1990 Reg. Sess., HB4799