Voice From The Field: Brooke Gaston
I know you have two careers. Let’s talk about your career in the entertainment industry first. I have been in the entertainment industry for nearly twenty-five years, and I have worked my way up the ladder to become a line producer. Right now, my work is mostly in producing commercials, but I also work on […]
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, […]
Build a Career in the Trades Without Debt: The Step Up Advantage
When most people think about high-paying careers, they often imagine years of college and the mountain of student debt that comes with it. But what if there was another way? What if you could learn valuable skills, secure certifications, and step into a rewarding career—all without spending a dime on tuition? That’s exactly what the […]
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: Samantha Branham

Samantha is shown in the center of the image. What were you doing before joining WV Women Work’s Step Up classes? I was unemployed, but before that, I was working for a utility company fixing water leaks. How did you become interested in construction? Most of my life I’ve worked around coal mines and enjoy […]
Discover the World of Advanced Manufacturing: A Conversation with Stacie Boggess
At West Virginia Women Work, we’re proud of our Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program. To give potential students a closer look at what this 10-week journey entails, I sat down with Stacie Boggess, our program coordinator, to discuss what students can expect, the unique opportunities provided, and the life-changing skills they’ll gain. Here’s an inside look […]
Voice From The Field: Tara Sutton
Meet Second Lieutenant Tara Sutton, a finance officer with the Civil Air Patrol, whose passion for aviation and community service is shaping future leaders. Through hands-on training in search and rescue, leadership development, and exposure to career paths in aviation, science, and engineering, Civil Air Patrol provides participants with life-changing opportunities. Discover how this organization […]
Voice From The Field: Robin Mitchell
Life doesn’t always go as planned, and Robin Mitchell knows this well. She started with a degree in music performance but found herself working different jobs that didn’t give her the stability or career she wanted. After facing tough financial challenges and big life changes, she decided to take a chance and join the Step […]
How Does an Apprenticeship Build a Strong Career Foundation?
In today’s competitive job market, a solid foundation is key to a successful career. Apprenticeships provide that foundation by offering hands-on experience, guidance from seasoned mentors, and valuable industry connections that are often challenging to obtain through traditional educational pathways. Here’s how apprenticeships build a path to long-term success and open doors to rewarding careers. […]