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
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
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,
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
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
“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
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
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
