About the Network Learning Alliance

The Network Learning Alliance is a virtual training environment designed to support the West Virginia Information Technology labor market which targets federal contracting opportunities. As an initiative of the West Virginia High Technology Consortium (WVHTC) Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Fairmont, W.Va., Network Learning Alliance is facilitating the education of the IT industry workforce through its partners; the Workforce Investment Board (WIB) One-Stop Centers, West Virginia University, Fairmont State University, West Virginia University Institute of Technology, and select private training providers.

This project is building the regional workforce development system’s capacity to meet the needs of a growing federal IT marketplace in north-central West Virginia. It focuses on the development of specific educational programming aligned to meet the needs of the region’s high-technology business sector.

Network Learning Alliance, through the assistance of its parent organization and partnerships, has identified a gap between the current workforce development system and the needs of the companies in the regional IT Industry. Economic analysts project that within the next 12 months an estimated 350 to 400 new technology-related jobs and support positions will be added to the regional economy. To ensure the long-term stability and growth of the region, these companies must consistently recruit and retain highly qualified employees, upgrade existing employee skills, and stay at the leading edge of technology.

To accomplish this goal, Network Learning Alliance is creating educational programming that aligns with the identified needs of the IT employers. By focusing on the latest instructional technologies, Network Learning Alliance is creating a unique educational model that will facilitate content and educational services to regional government contractors.