The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS), Bureau for Family Assistance (BFA), is actively promoting a beneficial work initiative for specific recipients. Individuals enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and SNAP Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) are being encouraged to apply for the West Virginia Women Work (WVWW) Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program.
The Spring 2024 Semester class is scheduled to commence on February 26, 2024, in Charleston. This 10-week program aims to support and train women aged 18 and older who are seeking employment -with special focus on those receiving food stamps– in the manufacturing sector and are eager to acquire specific certifications. Participants will engage in hands-on training and learn valuable techniques.
Women receiving SNAP benefits should apply NOW:
Janie Cole, Commissioner of the DoHS Bureau for Family Assistance, expressed, “Our ongoing collaboration with WV Women Work creates tremendous opportunities for West Virginia women. It is our hope that the Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship program will empower women with the necessary training and tools to pursue fulfilling careers and bring about meaningful changes for themselves and their families.”
Since 2017, the DoHS has partnered with the WVWW program to assist women in skilled trades and other professions. The WVWW Step Up program, a tuition-free initiative, imparts essential employment skills to women, preparing them for future job opportunities. Notably, it is the only Pre-Apprenticeship in West Virginia officially endorsed by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The clock is ticking, and all those women who receive food stamps should apply as soon as possible. The program is scheduled to kick off on February 26, 2024, when it will start placing qualifying women in jobs.
What’s the Women Work Program About?
Embark on a transformative 10-week journey, digging into the orbit of advanced manufacturing through the West Virginia Women Work comprehensive pre-apprenticeship program. Our curriculum is crafted to provide a potent blend of hands-on training, essential job skills, and industry-recognized certifications. At the heart of our commitment is the belief in empowering women in manufacturing, offering this program entirely free to all participants, thanks to dedicated donors, grants, and scholarships.
The initiative stands out with Department of Labor recognition for its quality pre-apprenticeship training. Participants gain industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA 10 Certification for championing safety, First Aid/CPR/AED Certification for becoming a first responder, Forklift Certification for confident warehouse navigation, CNC Machine Operator Certification for harnessing computer-aided manufacturing, and a West Virginia Women Work Certificate of Completion validating expertise in advanced manufacturing and job-essential soft skills.
Partnering with the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, the program’s facilities boast cutting-edge equipment for hands-on training in real-world scenarios. Access to expert content from Tooling-U ensures participants stay ahead with the latest trends and techniques in the industry.
The holistic approach extends beyond machinery, focusing on human elements such as communication skills and critical thinking. Immerse yourself in the safety culture of advanced manufacturing, prioritizing safe practices and adherence to industry standards. Elevate analytical skills with specialized shop math modules tailored for the intricate calculations of the manufacturing world.