When you step onto a jobsite, safety isn’t just a rule; it’s a culture. Before a worker picks up a power tool, climbs a ladder, or moves materials, they need the skills and awareness to protect themselves and the people around them. That’s why, at West Virginia Women Work (WVWW), our Step Up Pre-Apprenticeship programs start with safety certifications.
Safety training is more than a box to check. It’s the foundation for every career in construction and the skilled trades.
OSHA-10: Understanding Hazards Before They Happen
One of the first certifications our students earn is the OSHA-10 card. OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and this training covers the basics of workplace hazards:
- Recognizing unsafe conditions
- Learning rights and responsibilities on the job
- Understanding protective equipment
- Identifying electrical, fall, and chemical hazards
An OSHA-10 card tells employers that a worker takes safety seriously. It’s often a minimum requirement to step onto many worksites. For our students, this certification is a door-opener; it signals that they are prepared, responsible, and ready to join the workforce with the right mindset.
CPR & First Aid: Being Ready in an Emergency
Jobsite safety isn’t just about preventing accidents; it’s also about being prepared if one happens. That’s why our students complete CPR and First Aid certification.
With this training, they learn how to:
- Provide immediate assistance if a coworker is injured
- Recognize signs of heat stress, dehydration, or medical emergencies
- Use CPR and AED equipment effectively
In the trades, crews often work in small teams or remote locations. Having someone on-site who can respond quickly makes all the difference. CPR and First Aid training not only saves lives it also builds confidence, teamwork, and trust among coworkers.
Forklift Training: Safety in Motion
Moving heavy materials is part of daily life in construction and manufacturing. But forklifts, while essential, are also one of the leading causes of workplace accidents if not handled properly.
That’s why our students complete forklift training and certification early in the program. They learn:
- How to operate equipment safely
- Proper loading and unloading techniques
- The importance of balance, weight distribution, and visibility
- Safe practices for working around others
For employers, a certified forklift operator is a valuable hire. For our students, it’s another skill in their toolbox that boosts their employability.
Why We Start With Safety
At WVWW, we believe safety is not just the first lesson; it’s the lesson that underpins everything else. By starting with certifications like OSHA-10, CPR/First Aid, and forklift training, we ensure that our students:
- Enter worksites with credentials employers recognize
- Gain the confidence to work safely and effectively
- Develop habits that prevent accidents and save lives
- Build trust with crews and supervisors from day one
These certifications don’t just prepare our students for the classroom they prepare them for real jobs, real paychecks, and long-term careers.
Building a Job-Ready Workforce
For over 25 years, West Virginia Women Work has focused on training for the real world. Safety is step one. Employers know that WVWW graduates arrive with a strong foundation, ready to contribute from their first day on the job.
As we celebrate 25 years of building careers and communities, we remain committed to preparing a workforce that is not only skilled, but also safe, reliable, and professional. Because in the trades, success starts with safety.