RCBI expands women-in-manufacturing training to north central West Virginia

The Robert C. Byrd Institute (RCBI), Huntington, W.V., has expanded the Step Up for Women preapprenticeship program, offering tuition-free classes to women at the RCBI Bridgeport Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center in Bridgeport, W.V.

“RCBI is ramping up our efforts to prepare skilled workers that West Virginia companies need to succeed and grow,” said Charlotte Weber, RCBI director and CEO. “Manufacturers in north central West Virginia express difficulty finding individuals with the industry-focused skills they need. By providing a fast-start preapprenticeship initiative, we are expanding our manufacturing workforce footprint.”

The 10-week Step Up for Women 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.

Women enrolled in the preapprenticeship program receive free tuition and travel reimbursements as well as work clothes, boots, and other safety gear. Their training prepares them for entry-level manufacturing jobs and apprenticeships.

RCBI Bridgeport provides machinist instructors, classroom space, and access to its advanced manufacturing equipment as part of women-in-manufacturing’s expansion into north central West Virginia.