Step Up for Women Construction program begins fall session

Jordan Massey
·2 min read

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY) — West Virginia Women Work began classes on Tuesday for the Step Up for Women Construction program, which provides women hands-on instruction in carpentry, electrical plumbing, welding, auto maintenance and masonry over the course of 12 weeks.

“We are here to help the women get into the trades, give them a step in the door of non-traditional employment,” said Northern Regional Coordinator Lakiesha Hines, who works with West Virginia Women Work’s Morgantown office. “It helps build their confidence, let[s] them know that they can do these so-called ‘men’s jobs’ and get that higher pay that we all need.”

Hines said that the program will also teach women certain soft skills like writing a trade resume, budgeting, accessing support systems, addressing sexual harassment and knowledge of women’s history. Classes for this program start every March and September at West Virginia Women Work’s Morgantown and Charleston offices, and Hines said that the program accepts applications year-round.

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This program is completely free to attend, and West Virginia Women Work provides any necessary clothing and/or safety equipment. “We’re a great stepping stone to further your career at a tuition-free cost,” said Hines. “And you’re also earning about six certifications while you’re in the program, so make yourself very marketable and get out there in this industry.”

After completing the program, students will earn their OSHA 10, HVAC card through the state of West Virginia, plumbing and training card, forklift certification, as well as certification in CPR and first aid. They’ll also receive a completion certification.

Hines added that the program offers a long list of different electives that women can complete via their online platform and that they can add these electives to their resumes as well.

You can learn more about the program here.

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