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Labor Relations

Preparing a skilled and competitive workforce is critical to community and economic prosperity in West Virginia and the nation.

The Institute for Labor Studies and Research assesses and engages labor relations systems in order to improve the efficiency, mutual gains and general well-being of employees and the businesses that employ them. ILSR faculty do this by providing credit and non-credit certificate instruction, academic and applied research, and service programs that strengthen labor-management relations at the local, state, regional and national levels. These efforts contribute to civic vitality, shared prosperity and a just and equitable society.

Upcoming Labor Studies & Research Events of Interest

Labor Studies & Research News

Barnwood Builders features apprentices in carpenter's training program

Two people wearing hard hats and face masks discuss a building structure

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – No one appreciates skilled, talented workers more than Mark Bowe. When the WVU alumnus and host of Barnwood Builders learned about a new WVU degree program available to apprentices, he seized the opportunity to work with them on a project at WVU Jackson’s Mill. Barnwood Builders follows Bowe and a group of fun-loving West Virginians who salvage antique log cabins and barns. The show celebrates the hard work and craftsmanship that built our nation. So it was a natural fit.

Read about Barnwood Builders features apprentices in carpenter's training program

WVU Jackson’s Mill partners with painters union to provide apprentice training

Photo of Mount Vernon Dining Hall at WVU Jackson's Mill

Morgantown, W.Va. – A new partnership has formed between West Virginia University’s Jackson’s Mill, the Finishing Trades Institute of West Virginia located in Weston and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 53 to use the Jackson’s Mill facility as an additional training ground for painting apprentices this summer.

Read about WVU Jackson’s Mill partners with painters union to provide apprentice training



Expert Labor Relations Help

Contact our WVU Extension Service experts for more information.