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, this program helps them discover where they want to go and gives them the tools to take that first step.
Each class runs for 12 weeks, and from day one, students are treated like professionals. In the very first week, they earn their first industry-recognized certification. That sets the tone for what follows. We are not a lecture-based program. We are a do-the-work, learn-as-you-go experience. Students split their time between the shop and the classroom. In the shop, they learn the basics of several trades. Carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, and auto maintenance are core parts of the curriculum. Depending on the class and location, students may also explore drywall, masonry, rigging, HVAC basics, and more. While no one leaves as a licensed expert in one field, they leave with hands-on experience across many areas. This helps them make informed choices about the career paths that fit their skills, interests, and goals.
In the classroom, we focus on job readiness. That means professional communication, resumes, and cover letters. It also means understanding how your online persona can impact your job search and how to present yourself with confidence. Students learn how to network, how to speak to employers, and how to advocate for themselves in the hiring process. We also cover budgeting, credit, understanding your paycheck, workplace safety, and blueprint reading. These topics are not just checkboxes. They are essential life and career skills that help our students keep their jobs and grow in their careers once they are hired.
Throughout the program, students meet guest speakers and take site tours to learn about different trades and industries. These visits allow students to hear directly from people doing the work and to ask real questions about what it takes to succeed. These connections also help students build early relationships that may lead to mentorships, job shadowing, or even future employment.
Another important piece of the program is the chance to give back. Students put their skills to use on real community projects. They have done projects for Habitat for Humanity and 4H, constructed picnic tables for local organizations, volunteered with local food pantries, and partnered with a variety of local groups that serve our region. These projects allow students to build confidence while gaining valuable experience on meaningful job sites. They also give students the chance to work as a team while making a real difference in their communities.
We also put a strong focus on teamwork, accountability, and dependability. These are the soft skills employers say are often missing in new hires. Our students learn how to be part of a crew. They learn what it means to show up on time, follow instructions, ask questions, and complete tasks safely and accurately. These may seem like small things, but they are what help people get hired and stay employed.
At WV Women Work, our mission is not just to teach tools. It is to help each student build confidence, direction, and a foundation for long-term success. In just 12 weeks, we see people go from unsure to unstoppable. They leave our program with skills, certifications, and a clear path forward. More importantly, they leave with proof that they are capable of more than they ever thought possible. That is what this program is about.
