For many people, the idea of earning a living while training for a new career sounds too good to be true. But that’s exactly what apprenticeships offer: real wages, hands-on learning, and a direct path to stable work. Across West Virginia, skilled trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are in high demand, and apprenticeship programs are filling those roles with motivated, well-trained workers. Through West Virginia Women Work’s pre-apprenticeship programs, participants are gaining the tools, certifications, and confidence to step right onto the jobsite and into a career that pays from day one.
Apprenticeships flip the traditional education model on its head. Instead of paying tuition and waiting years to start earning, apprentices get paid as they learn valuable skills on the job. This “earn while you learn” approach makes financial sense, especially in a state like West Virginia, where many people are looking for stable, debt-free pathways to good-paying careers. With industries like construction, energy, and advanced manufacturing growing, apprenticeships provide a direct route to opportunity without student loans.
Apprenticeships don’t just offer short-term benefits — they lead to lasting careers. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 94% of apprentices stay employed after completing their program, earning an average of $80,000 per year. In West Virginia, that means strong, sustainable jobs that keep families supported and communities thriving. Employers also benefit by gaining loyal, highly skilled workers who understand the value of the work they do.
West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship prepares individuals to enter these programs with confidence. Participants complete certifications like OSHA-10, Forklift Operation, and First Aid/CPR, all while building real-world skills in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work. Graduates leave the program ready to step directly into Registered Apprenticeships with unions or private employers, often starting around $19 per hour with opportunities to earn more as they advance.
Take the story of a WVWW graduate who went from part-time retail work to a full-time apprenticeship with a local laborers’ union. Within months, she was earning steady pay, benefits, and a sense of pride in the work she did. Her story mirrors many others who have found both purpose and stability through hands-on learning. Apprenticeships aren’t just about training, they’re about changing lives, one jobsite at a time.
Anyone can explore apprenticeship opportunities. WVWW helps students identify interests, learn workplace expectations, and connect directly with local employers and unions. Whether you’re new to the trades or starting over after a career change, an apprenticeship offers a proven way forward, and WVWW is here to help guide the way.
Apprenticeships are more than an alternative to college; they’re a smart investment in your future. By combining hands-on training with real pay, they provide a pathway to financial independence and long-term success. Through programs like Step Up, West Virginians are gaining the skills and confidence to build stronger careers and stronger communities.
Take the first step toward your future. Visit wvwomenwork.org to learn more about upcoming training opportunities.