The first graduates of RCBI’s Step Up for Women Advanced Manufacturing Pre-Apprenticeship Program are finding success – and jobs.
The 10-week program prepares women for manufacturing careers, teaching them the skills they need to succeed as machinists or in related industrial occupations. The initiative is a partnership between West Virginia Women Work and RCBI’s Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership.
“We’re excited when we’re involved in such a life-changing opportunity,” said Charlotte Weber, RCBI director and CEO. “Over 75 percent of our first graduating class have entered the manufacturing workforce and started on a path that leads to careers with good wages, benefits and solid prospects for continued advancement.”
Women accepted into the pre-apprenticeship program receive free tuition and travel reimbursements as well as work clothes and boots.
The 2016 graduates are Terri Dillman of Barboursville, Manuela Hauser of Huntington, Tammy Jackson of Huntington, Rachel Maynard of Pedro, Ohio; Bridgett Nance of New Haven, Denise Parsons of Salt Rock, Amanda Pilbeam of Huntington, Holly Ployer of South Point, Ohio; Lauren Summers of Huntington, Miranda Thompson of Point Pleasant, Carrie Tucker of Proctorville, Ohio, and Crystal Williams of Leon.
“These women are all capable hard-workers,” said Melinda Perron, program coordinator for WV Women Work. “They have now received the necessary skills training, and are being given the opportunity to join the local manufacturing economy. When women are empowered, the entire region benefits.”
Graduate Tammy Jackson said, “It’s great to see someone stand up for women in manufacturing. It’s a step in the right direction.”
The effort, which immerses students in manufacturing processes, is offered twice a year at RCBI Huntington. Applications are being accepted for classes that begin in January 2017.For more information, contact Perron at melinda@wvwomenwork.org or 304.528.9991.
