Empower Your Future: Elevate Your Skills with West Virginia’s Top Trades Pre-apprenticeship Program
Step Up Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Locations: 201 New Jersey Street, Morgantown, WV 26501 & 501 19th Street, Dunbar, WV 25064
Step Up Construction Pre-apprenticeship: Your Gateway to a Skilled Trades Career
Step Up Construction is proud to be West Virginia’s only Department of Labor-recognized pre-apprenticeship program. In just 12 weeks, participants gain practical experience in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, and more. This hands-on training is led by industry professionals, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to excel in the trades.
Comprehensive Training for Career Success
Our program combines hands-on instruction with essential career preparation. You’ll develop technical skills through real-world projects while learning how to craft an effective resume, communicate professionally, and manage your finances. These skills are designed to give you a competitive edge in today’s job market.
Build Connections in the Industry
We connect our participants with leaders in the construction industry, including unions, contractors, and apprenticeship coordinators. Field trips to active construction sites and apprenticeship training centers provide firsthand exposure to the opportunities available in this growing field.
Certifications to Boost Your Career
Graduates leave the program with industry-recognized certifications that demonstrate their readiness for the workforce:
- OSHA 10 Construction Safety Card
- Plumber in Training License
- HVAC Trainee License
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification
- Forklift Certification
These certifications are valuable assets that help you stand out to employers.
A Cost-Free Path to a Rewarding Career
Thanks to generous support from grants and donors, our program is completely free to all participants. To make it even easier to attend, we offer mileage reimbursement to help with travel costs. Our goal is to make this opportunity accessible to anyone ready to start their journey in the trades.
Take the First Step Today
Step Up Construction Pre-apprenticeship provides the training, support, and industry connections you need to launch a successful career. Whether you’re starting fresh or seeking a new direction, this program equips you with the tools to build a brighter future.
- We have 20 years of experience in training folks for nontraditional trades.
- We work with graduates until they are employed, no matter how long it takes. We want you to enter a new career, not just get another job.
- Our program is tuition-free through funding and scholarships.
- Potential to earn between $13 – $20 an hour as an entry-level employee after graduating from our program. Many of these jobs also offer benefits and additional on-the-job & classroom training.
- Hands-On-Training:
Students cycle through training in Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, & Welding. We believe in teaching students by having them do the work and not just watching. - Career Readiness:
Our students learn the essential skills to prepare, find, and keep a job. These skills include: resume writing, interviewing, job hunting techniques, effective communication, budgeting & credit, and a basic math skills refresher. - Trades Exploration/Industry Overviews:
While attending the Step Up program you will be able to explore different trades and career paths. Students will have the opportunity to meet with former graduates that are working in nontraditional jobs, meet representatives from unions, commercial & residential companies, and take field trips to different construction sites and apprenticeship training centers. - Certifications/License:
During the Step Up Program students can attain the following: OSHA 10 construction safety card, Plumbers Apprentice license, HVAC Trainee license, First Aid/CPR, & Forklift certification.
The Step Up Construction program is 12 weeks long. This allows you to begin your new nontraditional career as soon as possible. Class times are Monday – Thursday from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM with instructor and Fridays are independent study days where students are expected to work on resumes, math, requirements to graduate assignments, and job shadows. Classes will begin in the Spring and Fall. Courses can fill up fast, it is recommended applicants apply well in advance of a class start date.
For more information about our programs, visit our FAQ page, or email: info@wvwomenwork.org.
