The students of any pre-apprenticeship program will not have to pay for the training. There are funding programs available that all students must apply for. If a student is not eligible for funding, West Virginia Women Work will provide a scholarship for the tuition costs.

• Anyone interested in the training programs will fill out an application online.
• The applicants will be contacted by a WVWW team member for an interview.
• Applicants will also be applying for various funding programs during this time. There will be different steps depending on the program being applied for. WVWW will guide you through the entire process.

• Students are expected to be in class every day for both virtual and in-person classes.
• They are expected to actively participate in classes and complete all required assignments.
• Students should maintain a positive attitude.
• They are expected to pursue and accept an entry-level construction/manufacturing job during or after graduating from the programs.
• Students will also be expected to follow the Code of Conduct.

The typical student is usually between the ages of 25 and 45 with very little to no construction experience. About half of the students are heads of households and many are single parents.

• Nontraditional roles can often require strenuous physical activity including bending, lifting, standing long hours on concrete, and carrying.
• These jobs can also be very mentally challenging. Workers have to be aware of their actions and surroundings at all times. They can be required to use machines that are loud and dangerous. Work can be very repetitive.
• Travel and long work hours can be difficult if you don’t have reliable transportation.
• Early or late work hours, swing shifts, and mandatory overtime can all make it hard to arrange childcare.
• You may have to work in extreme cold and heat depending on the job location.

• Higher wages
• Benefits(health insurance, 401K, paid time off)
• No college debt
• Better job advancement opportunities 

WVWW’s main goal is to get students into entry-level construction/manufacturing jobs. Our experienced instructors teach students job development methods and coach them through the unique process of securing a nontraditional job. Instructors help with resume writing and provide technical assistance in getting them into the hands of hiring professionals. Students will also have the opportunity to meet with registered apprenticeship program representatives. There will be tours of their training centers. We are very proud that we maintain an 80% or higher placement rate with each of our classes.

The U.S. Department of Labor defines nontraditional occupations as those in which women comprise less than 25% of the total workers. This category includes a vast range of jobs including construction, manufacturing, plumbing, electrician, welding, and HVAC just to name a few. Step Up for Women focuses our pre-apprenticeships on jobs that offer higher pay and benefits without having any college debt.

• March-Westin Company, INC.
• Orders Construction Company 
• West Virginia University Physical Plant
• Tri County Electric
• Princeton Companies
• Ellsworth Electric
• Nova Electrical Enterprises
• Cornwell Electric
• Kokosing Construction Company
• Vivint Home Automation and Security
• WV Department of Highways
• Over 15 registered apprenticeship programs
• Started their own businesses 

• 18 years or older
• GED or High School Diploma preferred 
• Valid driver’s license  or ability to obtain during class
• Access to reliable transportation 
• Basic math and reading skills
• Physical fitness level sufficient to work on feet for long periods and capable of lifting 40 pounds