What is your name and occupation? My name is Samantha Downey, and I’m an apprentice bricklayer. What were you doing before you became a bricklayer? I had a few factory jobs, but there was a period of about three years when I wasn’t working—right before my daughter was born and
Students at the Dunbar location of West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship recently combined precision and creativity in a hands-on classroom project. Using scrap lumber, students measured, cut, and assembled wooden Christmas trees—a practical way to apply lessons on angles and measurements while learning how to
West Virginia Women Work (WVWW) is proud to announce its selection as one of ten organizations nationwide awarded funding through the GitLab Foundation’s inaugural Powering Economic Opportunity Fund. This national initiative supports nonprofits helping low-wage workers access quality, future-ready careers in fields such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and the
Confidence is one of the most valuable skills a person can bring to any workplace. It influences how we communicate, solve problems, and show up for the job each day. At West Virginia Women Work, training is about more than learning tools and techniques. It is about helping people believe
For many people, the idea of earning a living while training for a new career sounds too good to be true. But that’s exactly what apprenticeships offer: real wages, hands-on learning, and a direct path to stable work. Across West Virginia, skilled trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are in
Building a strong career takes more than just one skill. It takes confidence, practical know-how, and the ability to adapt as workplaces change. That’s why West Virginia Women Work created SkillUp On Demand — a library of self-paced courses designed to help you grow at your own pace, wherever you
In construction and the skilled trades, knowing how to use a saw or operate a forklift is only part of the job. The workers who thrive are those who can set goals, manage their money, communicate with a crew, and overcome challenges both on and off the jobsite. At West
When you step onto a jobsite, safety isn’t just a rule; it’s a culture. Before a worker picks up a power tool, climbs a ladder, or moves materials, they need the skills and awareness to protect themselves and the people around them. That’s why, at West Virginia Women Work (WVWW),
What is your name and occupation? My name is Nikki Hollen, and I work on the production floor at Corhart, which is a glass refractory. What were you doing before your career with Corhart? I was a retail manager. I have a business degree, but unfortunately, I wasn’t in the
You don’t need a fancy resume to build a solid future.If you’ve ever been told you’re a hard worker, good with your hands, or someone people count on, you might be a great fit for a career in construction. At West Virginia Women Work, we help people discover their strengths
