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Though politicians are still fond of diminishing West Virginia as only a fossil fuels state, the reality points to an even brighter future. According to West Virginia Affiliated Construction Trades Director Justin Williams, apprenticeship programs are growing here.
And yes, some of those workers are in coal mines, but others work in a variety of trades that will literally build our state's next chapters.
"There are 2,500 apprentices in West Virginia, and we represent about 24,000 construction workers," Williams told WV MetroNews." "It's not a huge number but it's people that get up and go to work every day, and they make a big impact on their communities and state."
For those hoping to work in the budding aviation, aerospace and even electric vehicle manufacturing industries in our state, apprenticeship programs can put them in a position to make starting wages of $20 to $23 per hour. "With the investments we're seeing … these are 20, 30, 40-year-old or more careers that people coming out of high school now can have," Williams said. "They'll have a living wage, benefits, and a pension."
Sounds a little bit like the career prospects our grandparents knew in this region, doesn't it?
Apprenticeships are classroom and on-the-job training that allow employers to tailor the training to build the workforce they need. Williams touted apprenticeships' ability to produce electricians, plumbers, pipe fitters, iron workers, truck drivers and more.
In a state full of people who can do it all, there is room for those who are ready and willing to get to work. Apprenticeship programs offer an option that will let workers make a difference for themselves --and our state.