MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Mountain State nonprofit that aims to support and advocate for West Virginia women in the workforce is ready to accept applications for their pre-apprenticeship program focused on construction.
WV Women Work Inc. announced that an application portal is officially open for the Step Up for Women Construction Training Program, a 12-week program aimed to expose West Virginia women to various professional trades and how to safely operate in them. Executive Director Carol Phillips encourages Mountain State women to sign up for the program that will host training seminars for a combination of certifications in both Morgantown and Charleston starting in August.
“August 25th is when class starts, and we’re accepting applications now,” said Phillips. “Everyone is welcome to apply, and it’s a free, 12-week program, the class is in person, Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.”
The Step Up for Women Construction Training Program will include an opportunity to meet with professionals in close to a half dozen different trades that are active in the Mountain State. Over the course of the 12-week program, union representatives and professionals in both commercial and residential-based companies will offer their expertise in trades such as carpentry, welding, plumbing, and automotive care, with opportunities to see how a day-to-day work schedule works for each trade. Phillips also mentioned that certification training will take place over the course of two months that will place any woman who signs up in a position to be hired in any entry-level trade position.
“You get certifications like your OSHA 10, your HVAC trainee license, your plumber trainee license, the list goes on,” said Phillips. “So anyone who is interested in making good money in the trades, this is probably a good program for you.”
Phillips also noted that along with the chance to learn about trade professions in the Mountain State, WV Women Work will also provide individual services to help women who are trying to balance other aspects of their lives while learning a new profession. Not only will work clothes be provided for every woman who participates, but transportation and childcare services will also be available by request. This is aimed at eliminating any barriers that could prevent a Mountain State woman from being able to make a career change if needed.
“We buy the boots, the safety gear, we can help with clothing, and we help with transportation costs while you’re in class,” said Phillips. “We’ve got some connections where we can help you with childcare and other things like that if you need it.”
For WV Women Work Inc., the Step Up for Women Construction Training Program was brought back after a successful start of the program during the fall of last year. Those who took part in the first year of the program were able to work with professionals with over 20 years of nontraditional trade experience and had the opportunity to earn between $13 and $20 per hour with the help of the certifications that are hosted over the course of the 12-week program. With the training being hosted tuition-free, Phillips hopes West Virginia women of all ages consider signing up.
“So you get to explore what a day in the life looks like, and the goal is that at the end of 12 weeks, you have a high-paying career in the trades.”