Workforce West Virginia will soon be expanding its One-Stop Career Centers across southern West Virginia, including upgrades to facilities in Princeton and Welch.

With help from $1.9 million in federal stimulus funds, 20 Workforce West Virginia One-Stop career centers will soon by providing high speed Internet  access and job training services for the unemployed.

According to U.S. Rep. Nick Rahall, D-W.Va., the funding will specifically replace 165 computer workstations and add 80 new workstations. It also will allow each center to remain open for an average of six hours more per week while attracting an estimated 2,300 additional users.

In addition to the One-Stop Career Centers in Princeton and Welch, upgrades also are planned in Huntington, Beckley, Summersville, Logan and Williamson.

By expanding broadband access at each of the seven locations, job seekers will be offered improved job searching capabilities and enhanced skills for those who are without readily available Internet access, Rahall said Tuesday in announcing the federal funding award.

In addition to the One Stop Career Centers, $4.4 million in federal stimulus funds also were recently awarded for the Future Generations Equipping West Virginia’s Fire and Rescue Squad’s project, which will equip 60 volunteer fire stations across southern West Virginia, including several in McDowell, Mingo and Wyoming counties, with computer facilities and broadband stations.

It is difficult to find fault with either project. Volunteer firefighters in our region need all the help they can get, including new and improved facilities. By expanding the capabilities of our local One-Stop Career Centers, the offices will be able to reach and serve a greater number of job seekers in our region.

It is our hope that these expanded services can help to improve their chances of finding gainful employment.

With millions across our nation still unemployed, we must do everything we can to help every job seeker find gainful employment.