West Virginia University employees and community members interested in learning more about WVU s Pilot Apprenticeship Program are invited to an information session at 7 p.m. Thursday (Feb. 28) in Room 101 of the National Research Center for Coal and Energy on the Evansdale Campus.

Representatives from the Division of Human Resources and Facilities Management will provide an overview of the program, answer questions and offer application information.

The program was established last year to develop a team of qualified, skilled craft workers tailored to meet the specialized needs of the University.

The program offers participants the opportunity to advance their careers at WVU through a combination of on-the-job training, technical education and classroom instruction, said Paul Zepp, assistant director of human resources for Facilities Management.

Upon completion of the four-year program, apprentices are considered trades specialists within the University, he added, and are eligible for certification by the state of West Virginia and U.S. Department of Labor in their respective areascarpentry, electrical, general trades, millwright, plumbing or heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC).

Each apprentice is assigned to work with an experienced craft worker to develop technical knowledge and skills and to learn more about the Universitys operational systems. Apprentices also gain experience in problem solving and working in a team environment.

Candidates for the program must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid drivers license. They are not required to possess any general trade skills or previous experience.

Credit for some of the coursework and training can be applied toward an associates or bachelors degree. Those accepted into the program become full-time WVU employees with competitive salaries and benefits.

For more information, visithttp://www.hr.wvu.edu/apprentice/.