Occupational Development
The Associate in Applied Science degree in Occupational Development is a statewide program involving various colleges within the WV Higher Education system, the United States Department of Labor and the Bureau of Apprenticeship Training. These degrees are negotiated between an organization and the college and are a minimum/maximum of 60 credit hours. This degree is just the first step – you can continue your educational journey into the Regents Bachelor of Arts and Supervisory Management (BAS).
Students may enroll in this program without being employed by a participating organization. Although each degree is similar, there may be differences between each organization that participates in them. Students are advised to contact the Human Resources Office of their participating organization or the division of Workforce and Economic Development at WVU Parkersburg for more details.
Currently Approved Training Agreements
| AGREEMENTS | BROCHURE |
|---|---|
| American Electric Power (AEP) Program | |
| Constellium Rolled Products, Ravenswood | - |
| Mid-Atlantic Regional Council of Carpenters – JATC – WV District, Inc. | |
| Millwright Local 443 | |
| The Parkersburg Joint Electrical Appreniceship Training Committe | |
| Plumbers and Steamfitters, Local 565, Parkersburg | |
| Sheet Metal, Local 33, Parkersburg | |
| WV Construction Craft Laborers | |
| Iron Workers 787 |
SAMPLE State Approved Curriculum Guide (may vary slightly by organization)
General Education – 15 hours minimum
- 3 hours business or technical writing course
- 3 hours communication
- 3 hours college-level mathematics course
- 6 hours
- 39 hours maximum
- Each program of study must include a general technical core that meets the goal of developing skills that may be applied to a variety of occupations or that may be specific to an occupation. Technical courses such as the examples listed below are to be a part of every program of study under this degree designation.
- 39 hours maximum
- This component consists of technical specialty courses specific to an occupational area. Apprenticeship and industry-based education and training program courses are to be converted to college credit hours at the usual ration of 15:1 for the lecture at a rate consistent with the lab hour/credit ration of the degree-granting institution for laboratory credit.
- 12 hours maximum
- The on-the-job training component is to be converted to credit hours at a ratio of 160:1 with the maximum of 1,920 contact hours allowable. A statement of the total number of contact hours experienced through on-the-job training may be placed on the college record. This credit will be recorded immediately prior to graduation from college.
For more information, or if a particular union participates contact
Union Hall or the Workforce & Economic Development Division at 304-424-8383.