Workforce & Education
A Strong Workforce. A Smarter Future.
Charleston is West Virginia’s leading business hub, thanks to its industrial diversity and depth of talent. Home to more than 9,300 businesses and a workforce of over 87,000, the Charleston region offers more employment opportunities than any other county in the state. From advanced manufacturing to healthcare, tech, and professional services, our workforce fuels the success of a wide range of industries.
Charleston By the Numbers
87,000+
Labor Force
20,000
Office & Admin Roles
9,000+
Executives, Managers, & Administrators
9,300
Total Businesses
123,000+
Total Jobs
2,700+
Professional, Scientific, & Technical Busiensses Employing 28,000+
Education & Training
Charleston’s future-ready workforce is powered by robust education and training resources. The region is served by five accredited colleges and universities offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Workforce development is further strengthened by state-supported training initiatives tailored to industry needs.
Whether you’re hiring today or building your future workforce, Charleston has the people, programs, and partnerships to help your business grow.
WV Invests Program
Covers tuition and fees for certificate or associate degrees in high-demand fields at public institutions.
Governor’s Guaranteed Workforce Program
Provides funding and support to companies for employee training.
150+ Custom Training Programs
Developed by WV’s community and technical colleges in collaboration with regional employers.
WorkForce West Virginia
A one-stop resource for hiring support, employee training, tax incentives, and labor market insights.
The Charleston Area Workforce Data
Connect with Our Economic Development Team!
The Charleston Area Alliance won’t just welcome your business, we’ll make it better. We provide services like site location, entrepreneurial and workforce training development, as well as connections to the right people and resources to ensure your success.