What is your current job? I am a commercial truck driver, and I drive a refrigeration truck. They have refrigerated units on 53-foot-long trailers hauled by tractors, and my company has them going across the 48 continental United States delivering goods. The cargo can range from cheese and chocolate to
(Gore, WV) It’s 7:30 am on a Friday morning, and school bus driver Christal Collins takes a moment to welcome a coworker with a hug before submitting a stack of paperwork to the transportation office. She makes her rounds greeting the rest of the office staff before getting on with
Skilled trades such as construction, plumbing, and electrical work are critical to building and maintaining infrastructure, but they also come with significant safety risks. Understanding these risks and how to prevent them is key to ensuring the safety of workers and the success of projects. Below, we’ll explore some of
In the skilled trades, safety gear is not only essential for protecting workers but also required by industry standards and regulations to minimize the risk of injury. From construction sites to manufacturing plants, having the right personal protective equipment (PPE) can be the difference between a safe workday and a
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
