From the Classroom to the Jobsite: Success Stories Driving West Virginia’s Future
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 […]
What It Takes to Build a Workforce That Works for West Virginia
West Virginia’s future depends on having a strong, reliable workforce ready to take on the jobs that keep our state running. But right now, many industries across our state are facing a challenge that threatens that future: there simply aren’t enough skilled workers to fill critical roles. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we’re doing […]
How Skilled Workers Are Keeping West Virginia’s Economy Strong
West Virginia has always been powered by hard work. From the industries that built our communities to the businesses that keep them running today, skilled workers are the foundation of our state’s economy. But right now, a growing shortage of trained professionals threatens to slow that momentum. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we see […]
Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship Alumni: Ashley Standish Conley
What were you doing before joining WV Women Work’s Step Up for Women Construction class? I was a retail manager working at the local mall and lost my job. They fired me when I was 35-weeks pregnant because I was reluctant to climb a 12-foot ladder to change marketing notices and preferred to have a […]
Voice From The Field: Justin Owcar
What is your name, and what do you do? Hi, I’m Justin Owcar president of the WV Filmmakers Guild. How did you become the president of the WV Filmmakers Guild? My friend Tom Heckman, the current Secretary, and I went to our first WVFG meeting in 2012 in Charleston, and the vice president position was […]
Voice From The Field: Shamma Casson
What is your name, and what is your job in the film industry? My name is Shamma Casson. I am a trained actress, and I am also a script supervisor for short films, low-budget films, and other similar projects. I am also a member of the West Virginia Screen Actors Guild. How did you get […]
How to Take the First Step Toward a Career in the Trades
If you’ve ever thought about working with your hands, building something that lasts, and earning a great paycheck while doing it, now is the perfect time to start a career in the skilled trades. Across the country, there’s a growing demand for hardworking, dedicated individuals who can step up and fill essential roles in construction, […]
Building Confidence, Breaking Barriers: How Women Are Reshaping the Construction Industry
The construction industry is evolving, and women are at the forefront of this transformation. At West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program, we witness inspiring stories every day—stories of resilience, determination, and growth. One of those stories belongs to Deidra Simpson, a recent graduate who is now leading the way as […]
Voice From The Field: Heather Jarrett-Geragosian
Image features Heather and her daughter, Cassidy, a recent graduate of Step Up for Women Construction. How did you start your career in construction? I’ve been doing construction since I was thirteen years old. My grandfather taught me how to weld, and together we built a boat. I was also influenced by my mom who […]
Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship Alumni: Trista Searls
What were you doing before enrolling in the Step Up For Women construction program? Before joining Step Up, I was unemployed and Door-Dashing because I lost my job at a local treatment plant, and I was fighting to get back on my feet and have my own place. Last year I left a bad situation […]
