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PARKERSBURG — West Virginia University at Parkersburg is accepting applications for its Manufacturing Production Operator short-term training program, developed in partnership with Constellium to prepare individuals for entry-level manufacturing positions.

Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 10 through April 23, from 5-8 p.m. at WVUP’s Jackson County Campus and Constellium’s Ravenswood facility.

The program provides hands-on training aligned with the needs of regional manufacturers. Most classes will be held on-site at Constellium and taught by Constellium employees, while classes at the Jackson County Campus will focus on durable skills such as communication, time management and personal finance.

“Our division at WVU Parkersburg is focused on offering programs that meet the needs of local business and industry while providing students with relevant, high-quality training that leads directly to employment,” said Abby Campbell, program coordinator at WVUP. “Manufacturing is one of the region’s largest sectors, and this program offers an accessible pathway for individuals looking to enter the field.”

The Manufacturing Production Operator program was developed collaboratively to reflect real-world manufacturing environments and current industry expectations. The combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training at an active manufacturing facility is designed to give students practical experience and a clear understanding of employer expectations for entry-level production roles.

“WVU Parkersburg has a proven track record of delivering effective short-term workforce training, which made them a natural partner,” said Richelle Murray, talent manager at Constellium. “Hosting training on-site allowed us to create a customized curriculum developed and taught by our own employees, ensuring students gain skills aligned with today’s manufacturing workforce.”

Safety is a core component of the program. Students will begin by learning about personal protective equipment and earning OSHA 10 certification before progressing to hands-on training with equipment such as fork trucks and overhead cranes, as well as inspection, measurement and maintenance awareness.

Training at Constellium’s facility provides students with exposure to professional manufacturing environments, though completion of the program does not guarantee job placement. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level production positions throughout the region, including opportunities with employers such as Chemours, Celanese and the future Timet facility.

The cost of the program is $2,000 per person. Financial assistance is available for qualifying West Virginia residents. Funding or payment plans must be secured by Jan. 27. Class size is limited to 12 students, with a minimum of six students required to run the program.

For more information, call 304-424-8258 or email abby.campbell@wvup.edu.