[Dunbar, WV] –June 25, 2025 –West Virginia Women Work announced today it was awarded a 2025 American Water Charitable Foundation Workforce Readiness grant, focusing on general career readiness, financial and business literacy, positive youth development and life skills training. The grant will support West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for
Twelve weeks may not seem like much, but for many of our students, it is enough time to transform their future. At WV Women Work, our pre-apprenticeship program is designed to prepare people for skilled trades careers by combining hands-on training, classroom learning, and real-world exposure. Whether someone is just
When you are applying for a job, especially in the skilled trades, most people focus on learning the technical skills. And that is important. Knowing how to use tools, follow blueprints, and stay safe on the jobsite matters. But ask almost any employer what they are really looking for, and
Not everyone dreams of a fast-paced job filled with team huddles, constant collaboration, and group projects. Some people thrive in quieter environments where focus, precision, and independence matter more than small talk. If that sounds like you, the skilled trades may offer more options than you think. While many trades
When most people think of a skilled trades career, they picture someone swinging a hammer, climbing scaffolding, or hauling lumber across a jobsite. And while those roles are essential and rewarding, they aren’t the only option. The truth is, many high-paying, in-demand jobs in the trades don’t require heavy lifting,
What is your name and occupation? My name is Ashlee Edwards, and I am a Digital Strategist working in news. What education and career path led you to become a Digital Strategist? To start, I had no intention of working in news. I went to school at the International Academy
What is your name and occupation? Noelle Linda Kolb. I am the owner of Assumption Records in Rivesville, WV. Can you tell me about the personal journey that led to owning a record store? I started my professional life as a pharmacy tech. That was my job for many years
Confidence doesn’t come from wishing things were different. It comes from doing something you didn’t think you could do, and proving to yourself that you can. Many of the students who walk through our doors don’t see themselves as “hands-on” workers. Some have never picked up a power tool. Some
Everyone talks about getting people into apprenticeships. But what happens before that? What prepares someone to succeed once they’re there? Pre-apprenticeship is often misunderstood as basic training, but it’s so much more than that. At WVWW, we prepare students to succeed not just in the classroom, but in the real
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
West Virginia Women Work is an equal opportunity organization. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
