Exploring a Career as an Electrician: Skills, Training, and Opportunities
A career as an electrician can be both challenging and rewarding. Electricians are responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. They work with a variety of electrical components, including wires, circuits, and generators, and must adhere to strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents and injuries. To become an […]
Discovering the World of Skilled Trades: A Comprehensive Overview
Skilled trades careers, also known as vocational or technical careers, are jobs that involve hands-on, practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade or industry. These careers often require specialized training or certification and can be found in a variety of fields, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and more. Some examples of skilled trades careers […]
Exploring the Benefits and Structure of a Registered Apprenticeship
A registered apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom instruction. It is a way for individuals to learn a trade or profession while getting paid and earning credits toward a college degree. The process of becoming a registered apprentice typically begins with finding a sponsoring employer or union. The employer […]
Essential Job Readiness Skills for Success in the Workforce
Job readiness skills are the skills and abilities that enable an individual to successfully transition into and succeed in the workforce. These skills can be grouped into several categories, including communication skills, teamwork and collaboration skills, problem-solving skills, time management and organization skills, and adaptability and flexibility. Communication skills are crucial for success in any […]
Exploring the Benefits of Pre-Apprenticeships in West Virginia
Pre-apprenticeships in West Virginia provide individuals with the opportunity to gain valuable skills and knowledge in a specific trade or industry before starting a formal apprenticeship program. These programs are typically shorter in duration than traditional apprenticeships and are designed to give participants a taste of what it is like to work in a particular […]
Benefits of Attending a Registered Apprenticeship Program(RAP)
A Registered Apprenticeship Program(RAP) allows a worker to earn wages while learning and doing industry-relevant productive work. They are given a career path in a high-demand field like the skilled trades while earning portable, nationally-recognized credentials under the supervision of an experienced mentor. The worker’s wages increase as their skills increase. There are three types […]
PPE isn’t One Size Fits All
When it comes to Personal Protective Equipment(PPE), one size does not fit all. Especially when it comes to women, PPE needs to fit properly. It can be a challenge when the majority of PPE is designed for men. Women are put at risk when having to use ill-fitted safety gear. There are a couple of […]
What to Expect from a Pre-Apprenticeship Program
A pre-apprenticeship program is designed to prepare an individual to enter a Registered Apprenticeship Program(RAP), an On the Job Training (OJT) program, or gain employment. These are the key elements you should expect to find in a quality pre-apprenticeship program. Industry-Based Training The curriculum used in the pre-apprenticeship should be current and in line with […]
What is WVDOH’s OJT Program and How do I Participate
OJT is a joint program between the Federal Highway Administration and the West Virginia Department of Transportation with the goal of addressing the underutilization of women and minorities in the highway construction field by offering training opportunities to learn the necessary skills. The OJT program is not intended, and shall not be used, to discriminate […]
How to Get More Women into Skilled Trades Positions and Increase Retention Rates
Skilled trade careers provide workers with higher earnings and many benefits such as healthcare and retirement savings options. Yet even with these benefits men still outnumber women in these positions 20 to 1. Here are a few ways of getting more women into skilled trades positions and increasing retention rates. Outreach/Recruitment Plan to Get More […]