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
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
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
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 […]
Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship Alumni: Ashley Standish Conley
What were you doing before joining WV Women Work’s Step Up for Women Construction class? I was a retail manager working at the local mall and lost my job. They fired me when I was 35-weeks pregnant because I was reluctant to climb a 12-foot ladder to change marketing notices and preferred to have a […]
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, […]
Build a Career in the Trades Without Debt: The Step Up Advantage
When most people think about high-paying careers, they often imagine years of college and the mountain of student debt that comes with it. But what if there was another way? What if you could learn valuable skills, secure certifications, and step into a rewarding career—all without spending a dime on tuition? That’s exactly what the […]
Building Confidence, Breaking Barriers: How Women Are Reshaping the Construction Industry
The construction industry is evolving, and women are at the forefront of this transformation. At West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program, we witness inspiring stories every day—stories of resilience, determination, and growth. One of those stories belongs to Deidra Simpson, a recent graduate who is now leading the way as […]
Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship Alumni: Trista Searls
What were you doing before enrolling in the Step Up For Women construction program? Before joining Step Up, I was unemployed and Door-Dashing because I lost my job at a local treatment plant, and I was fighting to get back on my feet and have my own place. Last year I left a bad situation […]
Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship Alumni: Samantha Branham
Samantha is shown in the center of the image. What were you doing before joining WV Women Work’s Step Up classes? I was unemployed, but before that, I was working for a utility company fixing water leaks. How did you become interested in construction? Most of my life I’ve worked around coal mines and enjoy […]
