Gov. Justice announces launch of “Prepped to Serve Appalachia” through partnership with Chef Paul Smith, WV Health Right, WorkForce West Virginia

CHARLESTON, WV (WVDN) — Gov. Jim Justice announced the launch of “Prepped To Serve Appalachia,” an accelerated fine dining worker certification program.

The initiative is led by West Virginia Health Right in partnership with Chef Paul Smith, the state’s only James Beard Award-winning chef. The program is funded through a $250,000 grant award from WorkForce West Virginia.

This initiative will prepare 40 West Virginians annually for careers in the fine dining industry. Participants will undergo a three-month program featuring one month of intensive classroom training led by Chef Paul and two months of on-the-job training at local fine dining establishments. The training sessions will be held at West Virginia Health Right locations in Charleston, with the first session starting in October.

“This is another shining example of how West Virginia is approaching workforce development differently,” Gov. Justice said. “By Partnering with a community organization like Health Right and tying them in with the brilliant Chef Paul, we’re going to really support folks in helping them get new skills and new careers—the kinds of skills that will really make a huge difference. I couldn’t be more excited to announce this new partnership. I thank everyone at WorkForce West Virginia for helping get the ball rolling, because it’s going to help a lot of people.”

West Virginia Health Right’s state-of-the-art teaching kitchens and comprehensive healthcare services will support participants in achieving employment success.

“This program is a game-changer for our community, providing both valuable skills and comprehensive support,” Chef Paul Smith said, who was also named a Distinguished West Virginian earlier this year.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Chef Paul to empower individuals and uplift our local economy,” Dr. Angie Settle, CEO of WV Health Right, said. “By equipping participants with new skills, we are fostering sustainable employment and helping build a stronger, more resilient local economy. ‘Prepped to Serve Appalachia’ aligns with our mission to enhance both the health and economic stability of our community.”

Participants have access to free medical, dental, behavioral health, recovery, and pharmacy services to ensure their success in the program.

“‘Prepped To Serve Appalachia’ addresses a critical need for skilled workers in West Virginia’s fine dining sector while offering participants a pathway to employment and financial stability. Participants receive not only culinary training but also essential healthcare services, ensuring they are well-prepared for their new careers,” Secretary of Commerce James Bailey said.

Graduates of the program will be prepared for high-end food prep and service positions, offering a living wage and a pathway to sustainable employment.

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