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Introducing SkillUp On Demand: Training That Fits Your Life

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 are. Why SkillUp On Demand? […]

Beyond the Tools: Life Skills That Build Careers

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 Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we […]

Why Safety Training Comes First in the Skilled Trades

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), our Step Up Pre-Apprenticeship programs […]

Is a Hands-On Career Right for You? Here’s How to Know

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 and train for skilled trades […]

What 12 Weeks Can Really Do: Inside Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Step Up students on a site tour during 12-week pre-apprenticeship training.

Twelve weeks may not seem like much, but for many of our students, it is enough time to transform their future. At WV Women Work, our pre-apprenticeship program is designed to prepare people for skilled trades careers by combining hands-on training, classroom learning, and real-world exposure. Whether someone is just getting started or changing careers, […]

What Employers Look For and How We Help You Get There

Woman in safety gear walking toward a jobsite carrying a tool bag.

When you are applying for a job, especially in the skilled trades, most people focus on learning the technical skills. And that is important. Knowing how to use tools, follow blueprints, and stay safe on the jobsite matters. But ask almost any employer what they are really looking for, and they will often tell you […]

Introvert-Friendly Skilled Trades Careers

Person adjusting a CNC machine in a quiet workshop, focused on the task.

Not everyone dreams of a fast-paced job filled with team huddles, constant collaboration, and group projects. Some people thrive in quieter environments where focus, precision, and independence matter more than small talk. If that sounds like you, the skilled trades may offer more options than you think. While many trades do involve teamwork and communication, […]

Careers That Use Trade Skills Without the Heavy Lifting

Person holding a clipboard with a punch list, checking off items like "Touch up paint" and "Install outlet covers" during a building inspection.

When most people think of a skilled trades career, they picture someone swinging a hammer, climbing scaffolding, or hauling lumber across a jobsite. And while those roles are essential and rewarding, they aren’t the only option. The truth is, many high-paying, in-demand jobs in the trades don’t require heavy lifting, long days in the sun, […]

Why Pre-Apprenticeship Works: From Hesitation to Confidence in 12 Weeks

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 haven’t worked in years. Others […]

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