Everyone agrees we need more skilled workers. Across West Virginia and beyond, employers are looking for dependable, trained individuals who can step onto a jobsite ready to work. Apprenticeship programs are a great solution, but they are not always the first step. In many cases, they are the second.
That is where pre-apprenticeship comes in.
At West Virginia Women Work, we have spent 25 years preparing people for success in apprenticeship programs and long-term careers. Our pre-apprenticeship training does more than introduce someone to a trade. It builds a foundation of practical skills, safety knowledge, jobsite expectations, and professional behavior. It gets people ready to work.
Apprenticeship programs are competitive and fast-paced. Without a strong start, many people struggle to keep up or do not make it past the application stage. But with a pre-apprenticeship under their belt, graduates walk in confident, coachable, and committed. They have already learned how to use the tools, show up on time, and work as part of a team.
Pre-apprenticeship is not a detour. It is the launchpad.
When someone completes our program, they are not guessing what to expect. They are prepared. That leads to lower dropout rates, better outcomes for apprenticeship providers, and stronger results for employers.
We have worked with hundreds of individuals across the state, many of whom faced significant barriers before finding us. They came from rural communities, faced financial hardship, or did not know where to begin. Now they are certified, employed, and helping build the future of West Virginia — literally.
Why We Are Needed
Workforce development does not happen overnight. It takes hands-on training, real-world instruction, and personal support. Our programs fill the gap between wanting a better job and getting hired for one. Without us, too many people would be left behind.
This is not charity. It is investment in our workforce and our economy.
Every graduate who enters the trades brings value to their community, supports their family, and strengthens the workforce pipeline. We are here to make sure they get that chance.
Help Us Keep Going Strong
This year, we are celebrating 25 years of training West Virginians for good-paying, in-demand careers. Our $25 for 25 Years campaign is raising the funds we need to continue this work and expand our reach.
Your donation helps cover the cost of tools, certifications, safety gear, and job readiness training. It helps one more person take the first step toward a better future.
If you believe in hard work, second chances, and building a stronger West Virginia, this is your moment to act.
Donate $25 today and be part of something that works.
