Why Pre-Apprenticeship Matters More Than Ever
Everyone agrees we need more skilled workers. Across West Virginia and beyond, employers are looking for dependable, trained individuals who can step onto a jobsite ready to work. Apprenticeship programs are a great solution, but they are not always the first step. In many cases, they are the second. That is where pre-apprenticeship comes in. […]
Safety Starts With Us: Why It’s Everyone’s Job
Construction is one of the most rewarding and most dangerous industries out there.But here’s the truth: most injuries are preventable. Whether you’re sweeping a floor or running the crew, safety is never someone else’s job. It starts with you. Why Safety Culture Matters Accidents don’t just affect one person. They impact families, job sites, project […]
Voice From The Field: Lisa Jones
What is your name and profession? I’m Lisa Jones, and I’m the Program Coordinator for the WVU Extension Small Farm Center which is a center under the larger Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Unit that is part of WVU Extension. I know your work focuses on supporting folks in the agriculture business. Can you tell […]
Voice From The Field: Dakota Brown
What is your name, and what is your nontraditional career? My name is Dakota Brown, and I am a Cultivation Associate. My department focuses on cultivation and harvest, and I work on the harvest side of that. Let’s start at the beginning of your career journey. What were you doing before you worked in medical […]
Voice From The Field: Lauryn Alexander
Can you tell me about your education and professional journey? My background is in chemistry. I got my bachelor’s in chemistry from Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia which is an HBCU. An incident happened while I was an undergrad that prompted me to explore a career as a lawyer. There was a case in which […]
Why Giving Your Time Matters: A Volunteer’s Role in Workforce Development
In a world where the job market is constantly evolving, one thing remains the same: people need people. At West Virginia Women Work, we see every day how powerful mentorship and volunteer support can be in helping individuals transition into living-wage jobs, especially in the skilled trades. During National Volunteer Month, we want to highlight […]
Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing Pre-apprenticeship Alumni: Nicole Holley
What is your name, and what is your job? My name is Nicole Holley, and I’m a CNC plasma table operator. What were you doing before you enrolled in WV Women Work’s Step Up for Women manufacturing class? I worked as a customer advocate for Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. That was a really stressful […]
The Value of Apprenticeships in West Virginia’s Economy
In an ever-changing economic landscape, West Virginia faces a unique set of challenges and opportunities. One of the most promising strategies for maintaining and growing a strong workforce is the expansion and support of apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships have proven to be highly effective in bridging critical workforce gaps, equipping individuals with practical, job-specific skills, and […]
Vocie From The Field: Taylor Carnell
What is your current profession? I’m the Operations Manager for PATTERN. Would you mind explaining to our readers what PATTERN is? PATTERN is in development but is going to be a cut and sew manufacturing and industrial sewing training facility in Beckley, WV, set to open in late Summer. We’re working to build a textile […]
Voice From The Field: Laura
What were you doing before enrolling in West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for Women construction class? I was working at fast food restaurants. I was trying to figure out what career to pursue, but nothing felt right. One day I went to the library, as I like to do my free time, and saw […]
