When people think about what keeps West Virginia running, they often think of the industries—construction, manufacturing, energy, transportation—that power our economy. But behind every project, every delivery, and every completed job is something even more important: the skilled workers who make it happen.
At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we know that when we invest in people, we’re investing in the future of our entire state. Every graduate of our training programs represents more than a new hire—they represent stability for local businesses, growth for our economy, and strength for our communities.
Here’s how real graduates are helping drive West Virginia forward—proving that workforce development isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about building futures.
Training that Leads to Real Careers
WVWW’s programs are designed to connect motivated individuals with the skills and certifications they need to step confidently into essential careers. We go beyond the classroom with hands-on training led by experienced professionals, covering trades like carpentry, welding, electrical work, and plumbing, plus certifications such as:
✅ OSHA 10
✅ Forklift Operation
✅ First Aid/CPR/AED
But skills are just the start. We also prepare our students for what comes next—helping them apply, interview, and land jobs in industries that desperately need trained workers.
And when they do? The results ripple out far beyond the individual.
Success Stories from the Field
Amber, a WVWW graduate, now works as a Marine Engineer—an industry she never imagined herself in before completing her training.
“Before WVWW, I didn’t know careers like this were even possible. Now I have a steady, high-paying job, and I’m part of the workforce that keeps our state moving.”
Stacy came to WVWW after years of struggling to find a stable path.
“For years, I was stuck. I wanted a real career but didn’t know how to get there. WVWW gave me the skills and confidence to finally build a future I’m proud of.”
Sarah, another graduate, shared how the program made an immediate difference:
“I gained the training I needed without the financial stress, and now I’m ready to grow my career in the trades.”
These are just a few examples of how workforce training creates lasting change—not just for graduates, but for the entire state.
Why This Matters for West Virginia
When WVWW graduates get to work, it isn’t just their lives that improve.
It’s the businesses that can finally fill critical roles.
It’s the local economies boosted by new wages.
It’s the projects that stay on schedule because trained workers showed up ready to work.
In 2024 alone, WVWW graduates added over $728,104 in wages to West Virginia’s economy. That’s money spent at local businesses, invested in communities, and supporting families across the state.
Building the Workforce Our State Depends On
This is what workforce development is all about:
🔹 Preparing people for real jobs in essential industries.
🔹 Strengthening the local economy with every paycheck.
🔹 Creating opportunities that keep West Virginians working, earning, and contributing.
WVWW isn’t just a training program. It’s a solution to one of the biggest challenges facing our state—filling the workforce gap with people who are ready to succeed.
The Bottom Line
Every success story we share is proof that this work matters.
Every career launched is another step toward a stronger, more stable West Virginia.
And with the support of people like you, we can keep growing the workforce that our state depends on.
