The National Resource Center OSHA Training Institute Education Center at West Virginia University Extension Safety and Health is pleased to announce the Virginia Ship Repair Association as its newest host training organization.
This agreement expands access to OSHA-authorized occupational safety and health training throughout Virginia, while reinforcing a shared commitment to protecting workers and strengthening workplace safety.
As a host training organization, the Virginia Ship Repair Association will work with the National Resource Center to offer official OSHA Training Institute Education Center courses to employers, workers, supervisors and safety professionals across the region. By increasing local access to nationally recognized OSHA training, the agreement will help organizations enhance regulatory compliance, strengthen safety leadership, and reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.
The Virginia Ship Repair Association has long served as a leading advocate for Virginia's ship repair and maritime industries, supporting workforce development and promoting operational excellence. Through this collaboration, VSRA will provide an accessible venue for OSHA education that meets the evolving safety needs of the maritime industry and other sectors throughout Virginia.
"At VSRA, we recognize that our greatest asset is our people. Our agreement with OTIEC at West Virginia University demonstrates our long-term commitment to developing a highly skilled, safety focused workforce that will sustain the growth and competitiveness of the maritime industry,” John Polowczyk, VSRA president, said. “By investing in world-class safety training and professional development, we are strengthening our workforce, enhancing operational excellence and positioning our region to lead the nation in maritime safety, innovation and workforce excellence.”
Tiffany Rice, director of the National Resource Center OSHA Training Institute Education Center at WVU, outlined how this new agreement will help WVU Extension Safety and Health better support the workforce across the region.
"The National Resource Center is committed to expanding access to high-quality OSHA education by partnering with organizations that share our dedication to protecting workers," Rice said. "The Virginia Ship Repair Association has an outstanding reputation for supporting industry and workforce development. We are excited to work together to deliver OSHA-authorized training that equips employers and safety professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to create safer workplaces throughout Virginia."
The National Resource Center at West Virginia University is one of the nation's OSHA Training Institute Education Centers authorized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to deliver OSHA courses for the public and private sector. Through a network of host training organizations and industry partners, the National Resource Center provides high-quality occupational safety and health education across a multi-state region, helping organizations build safer workplaces and develop the next generation of safety professionals.
This new agreement reflects the National Resource Center's continued investment in expanding training opportunities and strengthening relationships with organizations that are committed to advancing workplace safety. Together, the National Resource Center and the Virginia Ship Repair Association will provide greater access to OSHA-authorized education and professional development for employers, workers, and safety professionals across Virginia.
To learn more about WVU Extension Safety and Health, visit extension.wvu.edu/community-business-safety/safety-health.
If you want to learn more about WVU Extension, visit extension.wvu.edu or follow @WVUExtension on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
About the National Resource Center OSHA Training Institute Education Center
The National Resource Center OSHA Training Institute Education Center at West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension provides OSHA-authorized occupational safety and health training for the private sector. Through instructor-led courses, certificate programs, and collaborations with host training organizations, the National Resource Center equips employers, workers, and safety professionals with practical knowledge to improve workplace safety and health while supporting OSHA's mission of preventing workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
About the Virginia Ship Repair Association
The Virginia Ship Repair Association (VSRA) is a nonprofit trade association representing Virginia's ship repair and maritime industries. VSRA promotes workforce development, industry collaboration, and operational excellence by supporting member organizations with education, advocacy, and professional development opportunities.
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hb/tr/07/30/2026
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