Step Up for Women Construction Pre-apprenticeship Alumni: Cassidy Jarrett

What were you doing before enrolling in Step Up Construction For Women? Nothing. I was working at fast food restaurants. My mom works in construction, so I thought about entering the trades because of her example and because I am interested in the work as well. How did you find out about Step Up? What […]

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 […]

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 […]

Discover the World of Advanced Manufacturing: A Conversation with Stacie Boggess

Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing student participating in the ACE bootcamp competition.

At West Virginia Women Work, we’re proud of our Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program. To give potential students a closer look at what this 10-week journey entails, I sat down with Stacie Boggess, our program coordinator, to discuss what students can expect, the unique opportunities provided, and the life-changing skills they’ll gain. Here’s an inside look […]

A Community United: The Collective Impact of WVWW’s Supporters and Partners

At West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), our mission thrives because of the unwavering support of our donors, partners, and students. This year, their combined efforts have transformed not just our organization but also the communities we serve. Together, they’ve shown what’s possible when a community unites for a shared purpose: building careers, building communities, and […]

How to Support Apprenticeships and Strengthen Our Community on Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is more than just a day of generosity—it’s a chance to create lasting change in our communities. At West Virginia Women Work, we’re proud to train the next generation of skilled workers through our free pre-apprenticeship programs, equipping women with the tools, certifications, and confidence they need to thrive in high-demand careers. Your […]

 How Apprenticeships Can Bridge the Gap to Economic Equality

If you’ve been following the headlines, you know that economic inequality is on the rise. For instance, the wealthiest 1% of Americans hold nearly 35% of the nation’s wealth, a stark contrast to what most households experience. Meanwhile, income disparity is also on the rise, with the top 20% of U.S. households earning over half […]

How to Get Started with an Apprenticeship: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting an apprenticeship is a powerful way to gain valuable skills, earn while you learn, and set yourself on a stable career path, especially in skilled trades. But knowing how to get started can feel overwhelming if you’re new to the process. Here’s a practical guide to help you navigate each step on the road […]

Manufacturing: A Look at How the Industry Has Evolved

When many people think of manufacturing, they often picture outdated assembly lines, repetitive tasks, and dirty, unsafe working conditions. However, manufacturing has undergone significant changes over the last two decades. Today’s industry is far more advanced, cleaner, and safer than it was 20 years ago, offering a wide variety of roles that go beyond traditional […]

Why Skilled Trades Offer a Bright Future for Women

The national outlook for skilled trades presents a compelling case for increased participation by women. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many skilled trades are experiencing growth rates that outpace the national average for all occupations. For example, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are seeing projected growth rates of 8% to 14% from […]

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