Careers That Use Trade Skills Without the Heavy Lifting
When most people think of a skilled trades career, they picture someone swinging a hammer, climbing scaffolding, or hauling lumber across a jobsite. And while those roles are essential and rewarding, they aren’t the only option. The truth is, many high-paying, in-demand jobs in the trades don’t require heavy lifting, long days in the sun, […]
Why Pre-Apprenticeship Works: From Hesitation to Confidence in 12 Weeks
Confidence doesn’t come from wishing things were different. It comes from doing something you didn’t think you could do, and proving to yourself that you can. Many of the students who walk through our doors don’t see themselves as “hands-on” workers. Some have never picked up a power tool. Some haven’t worked in years. Others […]
Start Strong, Stay Strong: What Pre-Apprenticeship Really Teaches
Everyone talks about getting people into apprenticeships. But what happens before that? What prepares someone to succeed once they’re there? Pre-apprenticeship is often misunderstood as basic training, but it’s so much more than that. At WVWW, we prepare students to succeed not just in the classroom, but in the real world. We teach things that […]
The Hidden Work Behind Workforce Readiness: Why Pre-Apprenticeship Is the Game Changer
When someone gets hired but can’t hold the job, people often blame the worker. But what if the real issue is that they were never given the chance to prepare? Pre-apprenticeship fills a gap most people don’t even see. It gives people the chance to build skills before stepping into high-stakes environments like construction sites, […]
Why Pre-Apprenticeship Training Saves Time and Money
When someone shows up for a job unprepared, it costs everyone. Employers, training programs, and the individual trying to get a fresh start all feel the impact. That’s where pre-apprenticeship comes in. At West Virginia Women Work, we train people before they ever set foot on a jobsite or apply for an apprenticeship. We focus […]
Why Skilled Trades Matter More Than Ever in West Virginia
In West Virginia, we know the value of hard work. When something breaks, we fix it. When there’s a job to be done, we roll up our sleeves and get it done. That kind of mindset is exactly what the skilled trades are built on. At West Virginia Women Work, we’ve spent the last 25 […]
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 […]
Trades vs. Traditional College: What’s the Better Fit for You?
Choosing a career path is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. For decades, the message was clear: go to college, get a degree, and success will follow. But with rising student debt, changing job markets, and a growing need for skilled workers, more people are taking a second look at what a […]
Is a Career in the Trades Right for You?
With the rising cost of college, growing demand for skilled workers, and increasing interest in hands-on careers, more people are exploring the possibility of entering the trades. But how do you know if it’s the right path for you? At West Virginia Women Work, we’ve worked with hundreds of individuals considering this very question. If […]
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, […]