Voice From The Field: Dave Lavender
Tell me about the professional and educational path that led you to where you are today. My name is Dave Lavender, and I am the Apprenticeship Program Coordinator with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development’s Film Office. I am a lifelong journalist as well as an entertainment journalist. My education and experience started at […]
Celebrating 25 Years of Impact: Help Us Build the Future with $25 for 25 Years
For 25 years, West Virginia Women Work has been helping individuals across our state build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed in high-wage, high-demand careers in the skilled trades. From construction sites to manufacturing floors, our graduates are powering industries that keep our communities strong. This year, as we mark 25 years […]
From the Classroom to the Jobsite: Success Stories Driving West Virginia’s Future
When people think about what keeps West Virginia running, they often think of the industries—construction, manufacturing, energy, transportation—that power our economy. But behind every project, every delivery, and every completed job is something even more important: the skilled workers who make it happen. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we know that when we invest […]
What It Takes to Build a Workforce That Works for West Virginia
West Virginia’s future depends on having a strong, reliable workforce ready to take on the jobs that keep our state running. But right now, many industries across our state are facing a challenge that threatens that future: there simply aren’t enough skilled workers to fill critical roles. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we’re doing […]
How Skilled Workers Are Keeping West Virginia’s Economy Strong
West Virginia has always been powered by hard work. From the industries that built our communities to the businesses that keep them running today, skilled workers are the foundation of our state’s economy. But right now, a growing shortage of trained professionals threatens to slow that momentum. At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), we see […]
Voice From The Field: Justin Owcar
What is your name, and what do you do? Hi, I’m Justin Owcar president of the WV Filmmakers Guild. How did you become the president of the WV Filmmakers Guild? My friend Tom Heckman, the current Secretary, and I went to our first WVFG meeting in 2012 in Charleston, and the vice president position was […]
Celebrating Achievements and Looking Forward: A Reflection from WVWW’s Leadership
As I look back on 2024, I am overwhelmed with pride for what WV Women Work has accomplished this year. What a transformation! We’ve seen women step into new roles, gain the confidence to pursue life-changing careers, and inspire us all with their resilience and determination. We have been recognized on national stages and did […]
The Growing Need for Women in Skilled Trades in West Virginia
In West Virginia, only 3.3% of construction and extraction workers are women, starkly contrasting with the national average of 11%. These figures underline the underrepresentation of women in critical industries and emphasize West Virginia’s pressing need to engage more of its population in the skilled trades workforce. Historically dominated by men, this sector is now […]
EEOC Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal Visits West Virginia Women Work
EEOC Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal recently visited the Morgantown location of West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), emphasizing the vital role of federal initiatives and local organizations in promoting diversity and equality in the workplace. The Commissioner’s presence highlighted the synergy between federal efforts and grassroots programs to expand opportunities for women in nontraditional careers. During her […]
WV DHHR SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T)Program
SNAP Employment & Training: The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ DHHR SNAP Employment & Training Program (SNAP E&T) is a free service available to most SNAP participants who want to increase their skills and knowledge and reduce their need for SNAP. All SNAP E&T participants receive a coach who will help navigate […]
