Debunking the Myths: Women in Skilled Trades
Despite the growing number of women entering skilled trades, several myths and misconceptions persist about their ability to thrive in these traditionally male-dominated fields. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we’re proud to be part of the movement proving these myths wrong. In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the most common misconceptions about women […]
Voice From The Field: Mallorie Shomo (Laborer)

(Junior, WV) Mallorie Shomo sits at her parents’ dining room table as she scrolls through photos of her children. Only moments earlier the house was abuzz with activity as everyone lined up to indulge in the feast cooling in the kitchen—a ham dinner cooked in honor of a friend visiting over Labor Day weekend. Now […]
Open Enrollment Sessions for Step Up for Women Construction Program – Start Building Your Future!

Are you ready to embark on a career in the construction industry? West Virginia Women Work is thrilled to invite you to our Open Enrollment Sessions this July & August for our Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship Program. These sessions provide a fantastic opportunity to apply, interview, and enroll on the spot! Discover a […]
Unlock Your Future: Apply Now for Our Fall 2024 Construction and Manufacturing Programs
West Virginia Women Work is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for our Fall 2024 cohorts for the Step Up for Women Construction and Advanced Manufacturing programs. Whether you’re drawn to the hands-on craft of construction or the precision of advanced manufacturing, we have a place ready for you to start your […]
Empowering Futures: Why Your End-of-Year Donation Matters
As the year draws to a close, we at West Virginia Women Work reflect on the profound impact we’ve had and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. Our journey through 2023 has been one of growth, learning, and most importantly, empowering women through our Step Up for Women program. Now, as we embark on our […]
Empowering Futures: A Year of Triumph and Transformation at West Virginia Women Work
2023 has been a landmark year for West Virginia Women Work, as we continue to witness the fruition of our dedication and hard work through the Step Up for Women Construction Program. We are overjoyed to share the successes and milestones achieved by our four cohorts, embodying the spirit of empowerment and skill. A Journey […]
Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week 2023: Embracing Diversity in the Trades
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2023, it’s crucial to spotlight a growing and vital need in the world of skilled trades and apprenticeships – the inclusion of women and underrepresented populations. This week, we dive into why their participation is not just beneficial but essential for the future of these industries. The Current Landscape […]
The Manufacturing Boom in West Virginia: A New Era of High-Tech, Clean, and Diverse Opportunities
The United States is witnessing a manufacturing renaissance, and West Virginia is at the forefront of this transformation. Gone are the days when manufacturing was synonymous with grimy factories and monotonous assembly lines. Today, the industry is cleaner, more high-tech, and offers a plethora of specialized roles. In this blog post, we’ll explore how West […]
Empowering Women for Success: Step Up for Women Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
Are you a woman seeking to break into the construction or advanced manufacturing industries? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you. We are currently recruiting for our Fall 2023 cohorts for our Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship and Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing Pre-apprenticeship programs. These programs are designed to equip […]
Navigating the Path: Common Challenges Women Face in Skilled Trades
The skilled trades industry, which encompasses fields like construction, manufacturing, and other technical professions, has traditionally been male-dominated. However, in recent years, more women have been breaking barriers and making their mark in these sectors. Despite this progress, women entering skilled trades often face unique challenges. Here, we explore some of these obstacles and how […]