M A Y--2 0 2 2
--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT--
RCBI grads earn 165 degrees, certifications
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Congratulations to the recent graduates of our welding and machinist programs. These students have earned a total of 165 degrees, certificates and national certifications from RCBI's nationally recognized programs, offered in partnership with Mountwest Community & Technical College. With the need for skilled workers in West Virginia growing, the future is full of opportunity for our graduates as they go on to good-paying, rewarding careers in manufacturing.
--W.VA. EMPLOYMENT--
1,200 new manufacturing jobs in 12 months
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April was another stellar month for manufacturing in West Virginia as the state added 300 manufacturing jobs for the second consecutive month, according to Workforce West Virginia. This brings the total number of new jobs in this sector to 1,200 since April 2021. Meanwhile, new and existing manufacturers have announced they plan to add an additional 1,500 or or more jobs in the coming months, and that's just in southern West Virginia.
--SUCCESS STORY--
“It’s stories like Industrial Bolting that make us most proud: An innovative West Virginia manufacturer producing top-quality products here at home, creating jobs and wealth in our community. That’s the definition of dedication and success!” - Charlotte Weber, RCBI director & CEO.
Industrial Bolting reshores manufacturing

Learn how an innovative Kanawha County company, with assistance from RCBI, went from selling products that were all made in China to manufacturing 98 percent of the components used to make its torque wrenches right here in West Virginia.Today, Industrial Bolting Technologies exports to every U.S. state and 38 countries.
--AVIATION--
First MU pilot school student lands license

Marshall University's Bill Noe Flight School at West Virginia International Yeager Airport just recorded another first. Joshua Lucas of Charleston became the first of the school's students to earn a private pilot's license. Lucas is one of more than 30 students training to become commercial pilots through Marshall's Division of Aviation, which also includes a soon-to-launch Aviation Maintenance Technology Program at Huntington Tri-State Airport.
- LEADERSHIP-
Learn how to align and execute objectives

Master the engagement of all levels in your organization with the Hoshin Kanri strategy, an effective approach for achieving annual objectives. This In-person workshop will show business leaders how to track each step of their progress through immersive simulations while minimizing poor communication as well as inconsistency in the workplace.
--INNOVATION--
Former RCBI engineering intern lands patent

As a youngster, Chris Shreve loved to tinker with projects and find better ways for machinery to operate. Today he works for Raytheon's Department 22, and recently was awarded a patent for his work on a new optical switcher to improve the sight of helicopter pilots. Shreve has come a long way since his RCBI internship in 2004, and we could not be more proud of his success in developing the newest generation of military technologies.
--STATE OF THE INDUSTRY--
Survey to identify business issues and trends

The Alliance for the Economic Development of Southern West Virginia asks owners and operators of all West Virginia businesses to participate in the annual survey, Current Issues for West Virginia Small Business Leaders. Designed by a working group of educators, business experts and state leaders, the survey will help decision makers better understand current issues and trends in small businesses across West Virginia and identify potential growth opportunities. The survey takes about five minutes to complete. Responses are due by June 15.
--ENTREPRENEURSHIP--
Save the Date! Inventors to gather June 16

Inventors from across the state and region will gather June 16 at the University of Charleston for the next meeting of the minds. The West Virginia Inventors Society provides a forum for seasoned inventors and those with novel concepts to network, share ideas, vet each other's creations and learn about resources to move ideas from concept to commercialization.
--WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT--
Formerly incarcerated can gain new skills

RCBI is again joining forces with Marshall Health's CORE and Catholic Charities West Virginia to launch a new class of RecoveryWorks. The program provides an avenue for formerly incarcerated individuals who have been affected by the opioid epidemic to re-enter the workforce by providing manufacturing training and soft skills development. Free classes begin June 8 in Huntington.
--EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY--
RCBI is hiring makerspace/STEM coordinator

Dreaming of a vibrant career working with kids in the fields of science and technology and coordinating activities for people of all ages in a state-of-the-art makerspace? RCBI is seeking a dynamic individual to join our team as Makerspace/STEM Coordinator. Promote creativity and innovation by engaging children and adults in hands-on making right here in downtown Huntington! Apply today. Come work with us!
STEM OUTREACH--
RCBI to host hands-on robotics camps

Looking for a cool summer camp for the kids, one that is educational and entertaining? Look no further! RCBI is teaming with the West Virginia Robotics Alliance and the NASA IV&V Educator Resource Center to host two STEM-focused robotics camps, one for children 6-8 and one for those 9-14. Both will run June 27-July 1 at RCBI Huntington. If the RCBI events don't fit your schedule, consider one of the other statewide robotics camps.
U P C O M I N G-- E V E N T S
June 4: AMT Program Open House
11:30 a.m. Huntington Tri-State Airport
An exciting, well-paying career in aviation maintenance awaits you! Learn firsthand about the new Aviation Maintenance Technology Program offered by Marshall University in partnership with Mountwest Community & Technical College. More information

June 8-9: Aligning and Executing on Your Company Objectives: The Hoshin Kanri Method
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Robert C. Byrd Institute, Huntington
This workshop teaches leaders to engage all levels of an organization in achieving annual objectives while tracking progress using the Hoshin Kanri strategy. More information

June 8: RecoveryWorks Classes Begin
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Robert C. Byrd Institute, Huntington
RCBI launches a new manufacturing training class for formerly incarcerated individuals affected in some way by the opioid crisis by preparing them for manufacturing careers. More information

June 9: How to Read a Federal Solicitation
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. online
This intensive webinar, featuring experts from the Regional Contracting Assistance Center, will provide a step-by-step guide on how to read a federal solicitation. More information
June 14: W.Va. Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Meeting
2 p.m. to 3 p.m. online
Monthly meeting to connect and identify opportunities for improvement in aiding entrepreneurs across the state. More information

June 16: West Virginia Inventors Society Meeting
4 p.m. to 7 p.m. University of Charleston
Connect with peers, investors, intellectual property experts, service providers and community leaders at this forum for Mountain State inventors. More information

June 20-24: Huntington 3D Printing & Maker Camp
9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. Robert C. Byrd Institute, Huntington
Explore and experience 3D design and printing, computer coding, electronics, 2D design, and laser-cutting at this fun camp for innovators ages 9-16. More information

June 27-July 1: Robotics Summer Camp
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Robert C. Byrd Institute, Huntington
Our hands-on robotics camp teaches kids ages 6-14 how to build and program robots using games and fun challenges. More information

If you have upcoming events that you'd like us to share, please email the information to Mike Friel at mfriel@rcbi.org.