The Hidden Work Behind Workforce Readiness: Why Pre-Apprenticeship Is the Game Changer
When someone gets hired but can’t hold the job, people often blame the worker. But what if the real issue is that they were never given the chance to prepare? Pre-apprenticeship fills a gap most people don’t even see. It gives people the chance to build skills before stepping into high-stakes environments like construction sites, […]
Why Pre-Apprenticeship Training Saves Time and Money
When someone shows up for a job unprepared, it costs everyone. Employers, training programs, and the individual trying to get a fresh start all feel the impact. That’s where pre-apprenticeship comes in. At West Virginia Women Work, we train people before they ever set foot on a jobsite or apply for an apprenticeship. We focus […]
Why Skilled Trades Matter More Than Ever in West Virginia
In West Virginia, we know the value of hard work. When something breaks, we fix it. When there’s a job to be done, we roll up our sleeves and get it done. That kind of mindset is exactly what the skilled trades are built on. At West Virginia Women Work, we’ve spent the last 25 […]
Under Pressure? Real-World Ways to Manage Stress
Life gets stressful, especially when you’re learning something new, changing careers, or trying to keep everything on track. Whether you’re in the middle of one of our training programs or just trying to make ends meet, stress shows up. And if you’re not careful, it can slow you down. But here’s the thing: you don’t […]
Showing Up Strong: Mental Resilience Matters on the Job
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while we don’t always talk about it in big ways, we know it matters, especially when you’re trying to build a new career or get back on your feet. At West Virginia Women Work, we’ve seen that it takes more than just technical skills to succeed. It takes […]
What Is Job Shadowing, and Why You Should Try It
“You mean I can just ask to follow someone at their job for a day?” That’s the reaction we get all the time in our programs. Most people have never heard of job shadowing, but once they do, a lightbulb goes off. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to work in a certain […]
Voice From The Field: Dr. Doolarie (Dee) Singh-Knights
Introduction What is your name and occupation? My name is Dee Singh-Knight, and I am an extension professor at WVU in the Division of Land Grant Engagement. I have been in this position since 2010. I am a university professor, teaching university students for half of my time, and the other half of the time […]
Why Pre-Apprenticeship Matters More Than Ever
Everyone agrees we need more skilled workers. Across West Virginia and beyond, employers are looking for dependable, trained individuals who can step onto a jobsite ready to work. Apprenticeship programs are a great solution, but they are not always the first step. In many cases, they are the second. That is where pre-apprenticeship comes in. […]
Safety Starts With Us: Why It’s Everyone’s Job
Construction is one of the most rewarding and most dangerous industries out there.But here’s the truth: most injuries are preventable. Whether you’re sweeping a floor or running the crew, safety is never someone else’s job. It starts with you. Why Safety Culture Matters Accidents don’t just affect one person. They impact families, job sites, project […]
Voice From The Field: Kristie Mayfield
What is your name and occupation? Kristie Mayfield, I work for Oracle Corporation, a technology company, in its Customer Success Services organization. My job is to develop programs designed to train and enable sales reps to sell our services to customers – these services are designed to help customers use Oracle’s products and technology more […]
