For Educators

Your advice and counsel are critical as students plan their next step after graduation. Construction offers ever-evolving, high-demand careers for students who want to enter the workforce immediately or pursue college degrees—spanning skilled trades, technology, design, and management.

BuildWV partners with educators to connect students to paid training, industry credentials, and real employers across West Virginia. Use the ideas and resources below to bring construction careers into your classroom.

Why Construction for Students

  • Real pathways: CTE → pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship → credentials → career.
  • Earn while you learn: Many WV contractors pay for training and certifications.
  • Upward mobility: Advance from the field to leadership, estimating, BIM, or project management.
  • Community impact: Students help build schools, hospitals, bridges, and infrastructure across WV.

Bring It Into Your Classroom

  1. Career spotlight mini-lessons: Use our student pages (Welding, Electrical, HVAC, etc.) for 10–15 minute intros.
  2. Hands-on challenges: Bridge-building with craft sticks, basic circuits, layout/measurement stations.
  3. Credentials sampler: Introduce OSHA-10, NCCER, or AWS—explain what they mean to employers.
  4. Employer connection: Invite a WV contractor for a demo, Q&A, or jobsite virtual tour.

Student Opportunities in WV

  • CTE Programs: Explore high-school programs across West Virginia.
  • Job Shadows & Site Visits: Coordinate with local contractors for real-world exposure.
  • Pre-Apprenticeships/Apprenticeships: Paid training that leads directly to employment.
  • Competitions & Clubs: SkillsUSA, robotics, and design/build challenges.

Want help implementing BuildWV in your classroom, or booking a speaker/visit?

CONTACT US TODAY