Cool Women
Stephanie:
Stephanie is a single mother of two boys, ages three and ten, from Clarksburg, WV. Stephanie came to West Virginia Women Work! on December 3, 2004. She expressed an interest in the Step-Up for Women Program. Stephanie was currently working as a cook, making $6.00/ hour. She was struggling to support her family, and wanted more in a career.
She had taken training in heavy equipment operation previously, which she enjoyed, but could not find a job in the field. She did not have her CDL license, and because of this, ended up working for little pay, once again. When we met Stephanie in December she stated that her goals were "to be Independent and not having to worry if I can support my children - and to own my own home."
Finally, Stephanie began the Step-Up for Women class in January 2005.
She graduated from the Step-Up program on April 15th, 2005. Shortly there after, she was contacted by the Laborers Union and scheduled to interview on April 28th, 2005.. Stephanie called West Virginia Women Work! staff on April 29th, letting us know she was just offered an apprenticeship position with the Laborers Union. She was overjoyed at the opportunity, and was ready to travel to Mineral Wells for two weeks of training. A week after the training, she started her new job.
Stephanie is currently working through the Laborers Union Apprenticeship program and loving her job. She is now making $12.00/hour in the Laborers Union, as well as, receiving health and welfare benefits. Additionally, she will continue to increase her wages as she gains more experience.
Susan:
Susan came to the West Virginia Women Work! on January 3, 2005. She was very interested in the Step-Up for Women Program. Susan knew she did not want to work in an office. Instead, she expressed her desire to work in carpentry.
Susan started the Step-Up for Women program in January 2005. The only difficulty of the class that Susan had faced was the fact that she was afraid of heights. Despite her fear, she pushed herself to do everything. Susan applied to the carpenter's Union and took their test on April 28th, 2005. Hardly Able Construction contacted Step-Up staff looking for a good, reliable worker for a siding job. The owner explained that the job would involve taking down metal siding and installing vinyl siding onto an apartment building. The worker would be up to 95 feet off the ground, in a lift. West Virginia Women Work! staff contacted Susan and described the job. She agreed to give it a try, stating that she would push herself to conquer her fears. Susan started working with Hardly Able on May 2, 2005. She started out making $7.00/ hour. The owner of Hardly Able Construction was so impressed with Susan's work that he hired two other Step-Up graduates, and encouraged other companies to do the same.
Susan is still working for Hardly Able and has received two raises since she started and is now making $8.00/ hour. She was accepted into the Carpenters Union and will start making $15.00/ hour.
Sharon:
Sharon came to West Virginia Women Work! on January 13th, 2005. She was looking for assistance with renewing her journeyman electrician certification. Sharon told us that she had previously attended an electrical training program. Sharon passed the test, and received her journeyman license. However, she could not find a job because she did not have any experience. She then became interested in enrolling in the Step-Up Program. Sharon started the program in January 2005.
She graduated from the Step-Up program on April 15th, 2005 and began her job search. She was persistent, and met with us several times to work on resume writing, job search techniques and overcome barriers some of the barriers in obtaining employment. Sharon was contacted for an interview with WA Contracting, and started work on May 15th. She is still working with WA and feels positive about utilizing her skills in carpentry and electrical wiring, while supporting her family.
Loria:
Loria is a single mother with a five-year-old daughter. She came to West Virginia Women Work! on January 7, 2005 - currently working in human services and making $7.00/ hour.
Loria expressed that she wanted more from her career: more stability, more time with her daughter, more benefits, and more satisfaction from her work. She barely made enough money to pay the bills, worked odd hours. She constantly thought about work, even when at home. Loria needed a change.
She enrolled in the Step-Up for Women Program, and graduated on April 15th, 2005.. Loria also participated in training with the Division of Highways, and received the Road Scholar Certificate. She was persistent, and met with staff to work on her resume, cover letters, and complete applications. Loria applied to Swanson Industries for a machinist trainee position. She interviewed with staff, and took a test to qualify for the position. Finally, she was called on May 24th, 2005 and offered a position.
Loria started her training at Swanson on May 31, 2005, making $9.00/hour. Her pay will increase to $10.00/ hour after she is trained. She will also be eligible for benefits. Loria is excited about her new job, and is looking forward to spending more time with her daughter while experiencingless stress about paying the bills.
Katina:
Katina is a single mother with a three-year-old daughter. She came to West Virginia Women Work! on December 1, 2005. She had moved back to West Virginia, where she grew up, from Ohio. She was unsuccessful in being able to secure employment in her new home. Katina identified her three goals as: "(To become) financially stable. Just to get my life back on track. And to be working at something I enjoy doing."
Katina enrolled in the Step-Up for Women Program and graduated on April 15, 2005.
She did some side jobs after the class and was hired by Hardly Able Construction on May 26, 2005. Katina's work has been praised by her supervisor and other construction workers. She continues to work for Hardly Able. Katina is currently making $8.00/ hour, and is working in a job that she enjoys and feels good about.
Tina:
Tina is a married mother of two, ages fourteen and nine, from Uniontown, PA. Tina came to West Virginia Women Work! on December 16, 2005. She had a Bachelor's degree in Communications, but could not find work. Tina was working as waitress and really wanted more from a career. She was sick of doing menial work and struggling to pay her bills - especially her educational loans. Tina wanted a career that she could be proud of - in a job that would offer health benefits, while allowing her to plan for retirement and assist her in paying off her debt.
Tina enrolled in the Step-Up for Women Program and graduated on April 15, 2005. Throughout the class, she was a leader in the eyes of her classmates - she demonstrated her determination and willingness to learn as much as possible.
She was offered a position in the PA Carpenters Union and started on June 6, 2005 - making $12.50/ hour. She will be eligible for benefits, and a pension plan after one year of work. Tina also worked for Hardly Able Construction for two weeks before starting with the Union to help pay some of her bills. She is currently making $8.00/ hour.
