Breaking Barriers: Why Welding is a Great Career for Women during National Welding Month

Step Up for Women Construction student learning basic welding skills

April is National Welding Month, a time to celebrate the art and science of welding and the professionals who make it happen. Welding is a skilled trade that involves joining metal parts together using heat and pressure, and it is an essential part of many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation. However, despite its importance, […]

Balancing Work and Life: Tips for Women in Nontraditional Careers 

Photo by Mizuno K: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-eating-breakfast-writing-in-a-notebook-and-using-laptop-at-the-same-time-12912057/

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging for anyone to balance work and life. But for women in nontraditional careers, such as those in STEM fields or male-dominated industries, the struggle can be even more significant. Juggling demanding work schedules with personal responsibilities can leave little time for self-care and relaxation. However, it’s essential […]

Empowering Women in Nontraditional Careers: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a feeling of self-doubt, insecurity, and the belief that one does not deserve their achievements, despite evidence to the contrary. Women in nontraditional careers, such as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), or the skilled trades, often face additional challenges, including stereotypes, lack of representation, and bias, which can exacerbate imposter syndrome. […]

Celebrating Women in Construction Week: Breaking Barriers and Building a Better Future

Women have been historically underrepresented in the construction industry, accounting for only 9.9% of the total workforce according to the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). However, the numbers are gradually increasing, thanks to the hard work and determination of women who have been breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. This […]

Exploring the World of Trades: Why More Women are Choosing Nontraditional Careers

Photo by Mikael Blomkvist: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-in-blue-and-white-plaid-shirt-wearing-yellow-hard-hat-8961395/

The world of trades has long been associated with men and masculinity, with jobs such as plumbing, welding, and carpentry often seen as male-dominated professions. However, in recent years, more and more women have been breaking into these fields, shattering stereotypes and carving out successful careers. So, why are more women choosing nontraditional careers in […]

West Virginia Women Work Is Named a Stanley Black & Decker Makers Grant Recipient

Makers Grant logo

The Global Impact Challenge will reskill more than 200,000 makers and trade professionals in 2023 February 2023, Morgantown, WV – Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) announced the recipients of itssecond Global Impact Challenge. West Virginia Women Work is honored to have been named as a Makers Grant Recipient for our efforts to help women […]

RCBI to Offer CNC Machining Bootcamps

Photo by Opt Lasers from Poland: https://www.pexels.com/photo/purple-and-white-electronic-device-7254410/

The U.S. has an abundance of manufacturing jobs right now and not enough people to fill them. RCBI is hoping to change that with a series of boot camps. The CNC Machining Bootcamp is part of an initiative through ACE(America’s Cutting Edge) which is a U.S. Department of Defense-funded program. The hopes are that this […]

Millwright: Challenges and Rewards of Maintaining & Repairing Industrial Machinery

Photo by Magda Ehlers: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-and-gray-industrial-machinery-2569842/

As a millwright, you are responsible for the installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial machinery and equipment. This can include everything from large machinery such as turbines and conveyor systems to smaller pieces of equipment like pumps and motors. The work of a millwright is physically demanding, as you will often be required to lift […]

Women in Skilled Trades: Breaking Down Barriers

Photo by Troy Bridges on Unsplash

The skilled trades, including electrical, plumbing, and carpentry, have long been considered a “man’s world.” However, women have been making significant strides in these fields in recent years. Despite facing challenges, they are proving that they are more than capable of doing the work and succeeding in these traditionally male-dominated industries. One of the biggest […]