Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026.
#1 – From MU ADV MFG – Gestamp and Marshall launch apprenticeship pipeline for manufacturing careers
West Virginia students are getting a head start on manufacturing careers through a new partnership between global automotive supplier Gestamp and the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center.
Gestamp is launching registered tool-and-die apprenticeships across six U.S. manufacturing facilities, including its South Charleston plant. The program will begin with 32 apprentices. Marshall’s Apprenticeship Works program is helping develop the training, provide technical instruction and coordinate with the U.S. Department of Labor.
The partnership also creates opportunities for high school students.
Students from Ralph R. Willis Career and Technical Center in Logan County are participating in a pre-apprenticeship program at Gestamp’s South Charleston facility.
They spend approximately 15 hours each week learning about manufacturing processes, technology and workplace operations while gaining experience that can count toward future apprenticeships. Marshall’s pre-apprenticeship initiative now reaches schools in 13 West Virginia counties. It’s a partnership connecting education with industry and helping young West Virginians build careers close to home.
Read more:
https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/gestamp-launches-apprenticeship-pipeline-with-mamc/
#2 – From WV PRESS – Canaan Valley receives $1 million for snowmaking improvements
Winter recreation is getting a boost at Canaan Valley Resort State Park in Tucker County.
The resort will receive $1 million for snowmaking equipment improvements designed to increase the amount of snow that can be produced across its skiable terrain. The funding is part of approximately $19.7 million in statewide investments announced for West Virginia’s state parks, forests and outdoor recreation areas.
Other improvements include $3 million for a new 34-site campground and electrical upgrades at Little Beaver State Park, $2.275 million for cabin and lodge improvements at Twin Falls, and $1 million for rehabilitation of the lower tram building at Hawks Nest.
Additional funding will support wastewater infrastructure, paving, cabin repairs and other improvements throughout the park system. The investments come as West Virginia’s tourism industry continues to grow, with state officials reporting $9.4 billion in annual economic impact.
Read more:
https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/canaan-valley-to-receive-1m-for-snow-making/
#3 – From WEST LIBERTY – West Liberty University opens two miles of improved campus hiking trails
Students and outdoor enthusiasts have a new place to explore at West Liberty University.
The university has completed improvements to two miles of hiking trails in its 169-acre Campus Woods, creating opportunities for recreation, wellness and outdoor education. A $25,000 grant from Expand Energy helped fund a new trailhead, directional signage, a bridge over North Fork Short Creek and equipment for trail maintenance.
Students also played an important role.
During a volunteer event supported by Volunteer West Virginia, students built benches and picnic tables, marked trails and removed debris and invasive plants. Visual Communication Design student Bre Boogaart even created the trail system’s branding and signage.
University leaders say the trails will support academic research, hands-on learning and student engagement while giving students, employees and the surrounding community a place to enjoy nature.
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
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That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.