It’s been an exciting and productive first month for the students at West Virginia Women Work (WVWW)! From hands-on projects to earning key certifications, our students have already made incredible progress in their journey toward a fulfilling career in the skilled trades and manufacturing. Here’s a look at everything they’ve accomplished in just four short weeks:
1. Earning Industry-Recognized Certifications
Right from the start, our students have been hard at work earning certifications that will give them a competitive edge in the job market. So far, they’ve successfully earned:
- OSHA 10 Certification: Essential for understanding workplace safety standards and ensuring a safer working environment.
- Forklift Certification: Allowing them to safely operate heavy machinery, a vital skill in many trades and manufacturing environments.
- First Aid/CPR/AED Certification: Equipping them to handle emergencies on the job, ensuring not just safety for themselves but also for those around them.
These certifications are just the first steps in preparing them for long-term success in high-demand industries.
2. Hands-On Learning Projects
In just one month, our students have already completed several hands-on projects and activities, giving them the real-world experience they need to thrive in the trades. These projects and activities help reinforce the skills learned in the classroom, allowing students to apply their knowledge in practical settings.
3. Preparing for the Future
Beyond technical skills, we focus on setting our students up for long-term success. This month, they’ve:
- Created Professional Resumes: Tailored for the trades, ensuring they are job-ready.
- Learned Interviewing Skills: From how to present themselves professionally to mastering common interview questions.
- Goal Setting & Overcoming Barriers: Students learned how to set realistic career goals and developed strategies for overcoming obstacles along the way.
4. Financial Literacy & Life Skills
We know that career success goes beyond the job site, which is why our students have also learned valuable life skills, including:
- Budgeting: Understanding how to manage finances, crucial for personal and professional stability.
- Building Support Systems: Creating networks of support to help them as they transition into new careers.
- Stress Management: Learning how to manage stress on the job and in everyday life, helping them maintain balance.
5. Carpentry Math & Nutritional Benefits
Our students are working hard to master carpentry math, an essential skill for precise work in construction and trades. They’ve also learned about the importance of nutrition, particularly how a balanced diet supports their physical and mental performance on the job.
6. Professional Communication & Expectations
In addition to technical skills, we’ve emphasized the importance of professional communication and the expectations of working in a trade environment. From handling on-the-job challenges to understanding workplace culture, our students are learning how to navigate their future careers with confidence and professionalism.
7. Exploring Registered Apprenticeships & On-the-Job Training
Our students have been introduced to the world of registered apprenticeships and on-the-job training (OJT) positions—pathways that allow them to continue their education and career advancement while earning a paycheck. This knowledge sets them up to make informed decisions about their next steps in the trades or manufacturing sectors.
What’s Next?
With one month down, our students are well on their way to building the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need for success in the skilled trades industry. We can’t wait to see what they’ll achieve next!
Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to work hard and take on new challenges in their journey toward a rewarding career.
