When most people think about high-paying careers, they often imagine years of college and the mountain of student debt that comes with it. But what if there was another way? What if you could learn valuable skills, secure certifications, and step into a rewarding career—all without spending a dime on tuition? That’s exactly what the trades offer, and programs like Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship are here to help you get started.
Why Choose the Trades?
The trades are one of the few industries where you can earn while you learn. Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs provide the hands-on experience you need to step directly into high-demand roles, often with wages far above the national average. Plus, the trades are booming. From carpentry to welding, skilled workers are in short supply, and the demand for these professionals continues to grow.
The Debt-Free Path to Success
Unlike traditional four-year colleges, our Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program gives you the training and certifications you need—completely free of charge. Through partnerships with workforce organizations and grants, we’re able to provide this opportunity without financial barriers.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Essential Skills Training: Learn the hands-on skills that employers are looking for, such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and welding.
- Industry Certifications: Earn certifications like OSHA 10 and First Aid/CPR that make you stand out to employers.
- Job Placement Assistance: We’re committed to helping you find a job after graduation, with support that continues until you’re hired.
- Mileage Reimbursement: We even help cover transportation costs so you can focus on building your future.
Apprenticeships: Earn While You Learn
After completing a pre-apprenticeship program like Step Up, many of our graduates continue their journey through registered apprenticeships. These programs allow you to earn a paycheck while learning your craft, meaning you can grow your skills and income at the same time—without incurring any student debt. By the time you’re fully licensed or certified, you’ll be making a competitive wage with no loans to pay back.
Success Stories That Inspire
Our graduates have gone on to secure careers in the trades that offer financial independence, stability, and a sense of pride. For example, our graduates have achieved incredible success stories. Deidra Simpson, a recent Step Up graduate, turned her free training into a fulfilling career and now helps other women as our Training Coordinator. Many of our graduates have gone on to apprenticeships where they’ve been happily working for several years. Others secured jobs before they even graduated, finding employment in HVAC, highway construction, and with small hometown contractors—some of whom are now running their own crews. These are just a few examples of the higher-paying, life-changing opportunities that Step Up makes possible with the right support and determination.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
The need for skilled workers in the trades has never been greater. With thousands of jobs available and employers actively seeking women to join the workforce, there’s no better time to take the leap. The trades offer not just a job but a career path that can lead to financial security and personal growth.
Take the First Step Today
If you’ve been searching for a way to build a better future without the burden of student debt, the trades could be the perfect path for you. Our Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program is here to provide the tools, training, and support you need to succeed.
Classes start March 3, 2025, in Dunbar and Morgantown, WV. No experience is required—just the willingness to work hard and learn. Apply today and discover how the trades can transform your life.
