Workforce Development

The Appalachian Transportation Institute (ATI) Workforce Development team aims to attract, train, retain, support, and provide ongoing development for the region’s transportation personnel. We accomplish this through research, training, leadership development programs, and curriculum development.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Leadership Intern Program

ATI has been responsible for coordinating and executing the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Leadership Intern Program since 2012. This program entails 36 hours of instruction for 12 competitively selected participants over the course of one year. Topics include self-awareness, situational leadership, diversity, communication, team dynamics, and conflict management.

Transit Training Partnership

The Transit Training Partnership was established in 2012 to serve as a platform for transit stakeholders to meet to prioritize and strategize efforts to implement programs which address the new and emerging transit workforce and to upgrade the skills of tenured workers. The partnership aims to avoid duplication of effort, build capacity within West Virginia to provide training to transit workers, foster open communication and collaboration, recognize constraints of rural and urban transit systems, and use funds efficiently and effectively.

West Virginia Parkways Authority Workforce Study

This research was commissioned to collect and analyze data concerning the current and projected demographics of the workforce. It recommends strategies to address critical shortages of workers, reduce turnover, and attract the skilled personnel needed by the agency.

Diana Long, Ed.D.

Dr. Diana Long is ATI’s Director of Workforce Development. She has significant experience in all aspects of workforce development and has designed numerous workplace education courses and seminars, including online learning modules, skill/knowledge validation, license-requiring continuing education, and train the trainer courses. She is also the Principal Investigator for our workforce development research.

Diana holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from Morris Harvey College, a master’s degree in Vocational, Technical, and Adult Education from Marshall University, and a doctorate in Education from West Virginia University. She currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Transportation Research Board Committee for Education and Training. In 2000, she was the first higher education professional in West Virginia to obtain certification in Economic and Community Development by the International Economic Development Council.