What Employers Look For and How We Help You Get There
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
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
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 […]
Start Strong, Stay Strong: What Pre-Apprenticeship Really Teaches
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 world. We teach things that […]
The Hidden Work Behind Workforce Readiness: Why Pre-Apprenticeship Is the Game Changer
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 high-stakes environments like construction sites, […]
Why Pre-Apprenticeship Training Saves Time and Money
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 for an apprenticeship. We focus […]
Why Skilled Trades Matter More Than Ever in West Virginia
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, we’ve spent the last 25 […]
Under Pressure? Real-World Ways to Manage Stress
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 here’s the thing: you don’t […]
Showing Up Strong: Mental Resilience Matters on the Job
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 skills to succeed. It takes […]