New Recruitment Videos Highlight Opportunities in West Virginia’s Construction Trades
Earlier this year, the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades Council (WVBCTC) approved a new budget to fund recruitment initiatives across the state.
As part of these efforts, the council is producing a series of videos featuring members from each construction craft. The goal is to provide a well-rounded view of West Virginia’s union construction trades and the apprenticeship opportunities available through each program.
Apprenticeships Across Multiple Trades
The video series will highlight a wide range of skilled crafts, including Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpenters, Cement Masons, Electricians, Insulators, Iron Workers, Laborers, Millwrights, Operating Engineers, Industrial Painters, Pipe Fitters, Roofers, and Sheet Metal Workers.
Representatives from the WVBCTC say this initiative aims to help expand apprenticeship programs and address the growing demand for skilled labor in West Virginia’s construction industry.
Promoting Apprenticeships and Workforce Development
“We have always prided ourselves in being able to step up to the plate when contractors and developers have a need in our jurisdictions.”
John Epperly, Secretary-Treasurer of the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades Council
“These videos are just one way we’re meeting people where they are — encouraging them to explore a career in the trades,” Epperly continued. “The plan is to visit each craft to give folks a better idea of what our affiliates do in each of their apprenticeship programs.”
Preparing for Future Workforce Needs
With new technology and construction challenges on the horizon, Epperly says the trades will continue to expand these efforts.
“Contractors approach us all the time, asking for additional skilled workers,” he said. “Because of this, we’re directing significant resources to ensure we can always be ready — no matter what the need.”
