West Virginia Women Work Selected for GitLab Foundation’s Powering Economic Opportunity Fund

West Virginia Women Work (WVWW) is proud to announce its selection as one of ten organizations nationwide awarded funding through the GitLab Foundation’s inaugural Powering Economic Opportunity Fund. This national initiative supports nonprofits helping low-wage workers access quality, future-ready careers in fields such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and the skilled trades. The funding will […]
Building Confidence on the Job: How Training Builds More Than Skills

Confidence is one of the most valuable skills a person can bring to any workplace. It influences how we communicate, solve problems, and show up for the job each day. At West Virginia Women Work, training is about more than learning tools and techniques. It is about helping people believe in their abilities and see […]
How Apprenticeships Build Careers Without Breaking the Bank

For many people, the idea of earning a living while training for a new career sounds too good to be true. But that’s exactly what apprenticeships offer: real wages, hands-on learning, and a direct path to stable work. Across West Virginia, skilled trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC are in high demand, and apprenticeship programs […]
Beyond the Tools: Life Skills That Build Careers

In construction and the skilled trades, knowing how to use a saw or operate a forklift is only part of the job. The workers who thrive are those who can set goals, manage their money, communicate with a crew, and overcome challenges both on and off the jobsite. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we […]
Is a Hands-On Career Right for You? Here’s How to Know

You don’t need a fancy resume to build a solid future.If you’ve ever been told you’re a hard worker, good with your hands, or someone people count on, you might be a great fit for a career in construction. At West Virginia Women Work, we help people discover their strengths and train for skilled trades […]
Voice From The Field: Water Treatment Plant Operator

Can you share what led you to choose a career in water treatment? I had a friend who got a job with my town’s water treatment plant, and he encouraged me to apply there when another position became available. He was friends with the boss who ran the water plant, and he let the boss […]
West Virginia Women Work Awarded 2025 American Water Charitable Foundation Workforce Readiness Grant

[Dunbar, WV] –June 25, 2025 –West Virginia Women Work announced today it was awarded a 2025 American Water Charitable Foundation Workforce Readiness grant, focusing on general career readiness, financial and business literacy, positive youth development and life skills training. The grant will support West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for Women Construction program at the […]
What 12 Weeks Can Really Do: Inside Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Twelve weeks may not seem like much, but for many of our students, it is enough time to transform their future. At WV Women Work, our pre-apprenticeship program is designed to prepare people for skilled trades careers by combining hands-on training, classroom learning, and real-world exposure. Whether someone is just getting started or changing careers, […]
What Employers Look For and How We Help You Get There

When you are applying for a job, especially in the skilled trades, most people focus on learning the technical skills. And that is important. Knowing how to use tools, follow blueprints, and stay safe on the jobsite matters. But ask almost any employer what they are really looking for, and they will often tell you […]
Introvert-Friendly Skilled Trades Careers

Not everyone dreams of a fast-paced job filled with team huddles, constant collaboration, and group projects. Some people thrive in quieter environments where focus, precision, and independence matter more than small talk. If that sounds like you, the skilled trades may offer more options than you think. While many trades do involve teamwork and communication, […]