Skilled trades offer fulfilling and well-paying careers, but they also require a combination of technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and soft skills to truly thrive. Whether you’re interested in carpentry, plumbing, welding, or manufacturing, success in skilled trades comes down to mastering a variety of skills. Here’s a breakdown of the
Safety in the skilled trades isn’t just a box to be checked—it’s an essential part of building a successful career and ensuring the well-being of workers, communities, and the economy. In fields like construction, manufacturing, and electrical work, proper safety protocols can mean the difference between life and death. At
When entering the skilled trades, one of the most important aspects of job preparation is understanding safety protocols and obtaining the proper safety certifications. Whether you’re working in construction, manufacturing, plumbing, electrical work, or any other trade, safety is paramount. Employers prioritize hiring workers who are well-trained in safety practices
(Bridgeport, WV) Perched on the top floor of an unassuming brick building on the main thoroughfare of town, Samantha Leeson brews her morning coffee while sorting through parts orders on eBay. As a school bus driver for Harrison County Schools, Samantha’s mornings are split between ensuring students arrive safely and
When many people think of manufacturing, they often picture outdated assembly lines, repetitive tasks, and dirty, unsafe working conditions. However, manufacturing has undergone significant changes over the last two decades. Today’s industry is far more advanced, cleaner, and safer than it was 20 years ago, offering a wide variety of
Despite the growing number of women entering skilled trades, several myths and misconceptions persist about their ability to thrive in these traditionally male-dominated fields. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we’re proud to be part of the movement proving these myths wrong. In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the
It’s been an exciting and productive first month for the students at West Virginia Women Work (WVWW)! From hands-on projects to earning key certifications, our students have already made incredible progress in their journey toward a fulfilling career in the skilled trades and manufacturing. Here’s a look at everything they’ve
The national outlook for skilled trades presents a compelling case for increased participation by women. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many skilled trades are experiencing growth rates that outpace the national average for all occupations. For example, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are seeing projected growth rates
In West Virginia, only 3.3% of construction and extraction workers are women, starkly contrasting with the national average of 11%. These figures underline the underrepresentation of women in critical industries and emphasize West Virginia’s pressing need to engage more of its population in the skilled trades workforce. Historically dominated by
(Junior, WV) Mallorie Shomo sits at her parents’ dining room table as she scrolls through photos of her children. Only moments earlier the house was abuzz with activity as everyone lined up to indulge in the feast cooling in the kitchen—a ham dinner cooked in honor of a friend visiting
