What 12 Weeks Can Really Do: Inside Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Step Up students on a site tour during 12-week pre-apprenticeship training.

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

Woman in safety gear walking toward a jobsite carrying a tool bag.

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 […]

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 […]

Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship Alumni: Courtney Johnson

Step Up for Women Construction Alumni Courtney Johnson

What were you doing before you joined WV Women Work’s Step Up for Women construction class? I was working at Camp Dawson as an administrator and helping with the drill that came in. I’d help them log on to their computers and whatever else they needed. I also worked at the Challenge Academy at the […]

Voice From The Field: Carole Howard

Step Up for Women Construction Training Coordinator Carole Howard

What is your name, and what do you do? My name is Carole Howard, and I am the North Central Step Up for Women Construction Training Coordinator for West Virginia Women Work. What were you doing before you joined West Virginia Women Work? I was a graphic designer at City Neon Incorporated. Most people think […]

Voice From The Field: Laura

Photo showing Step Up for Women Construction alumni Laura on a job site.

What were you doing before enrolling in West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for Women construction class? I was working at fast food restaurants. I was trying to figure out what career to pursue, but nothing felt right. One day I went to the library, as I like to do my free time, and saw […]