In short
Charleston residents can train for the trades at BridgeValley Community and Technical College (South Charleston), through union apprenticeships for electricians and plumbers, or at private trade schools for fast programs like CDL, welding, and medical assisting. West Virginia offers the PROMISE Scholarship, the Invest Grant, and Workforce WV for qualifying students. Most programs take 4 weeks to 2 years. Fill out the form to hear from schools near you.
Jobs hiring in the Charleston area
Charleston's economy is a mix of government (state capital), healthcare (CAMC, Thomas Hospitals), and chemical manufacturing (Dow, DuPont, and others along the Kanawha River). Here's what the common trades pay in the Charleston area and how long it takes to get in:
| Job | Training time | Typical pay in Charleston | How you get in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 9–12 months of school, or 4–5 year paid apprenticeship | About $48,000–$58,000 | IBEW Local 138 apprenticeship, or trade school then a job |
| Welder | 7–9 months | About $44,000–$52,000 | Trade school or BridgeValley CTC; certifications from the school |
| HVAC technician | 6–12 months | About $44,000–$52,000 | Trade school or community college, then EPA 608 card |
| CDL truck driver | 3–7 weeks | About $47,000–$55,000 | CDL school; many carriers pay for training if you drive for them |
| Plumber | 1 year school, or 5-year paid apprenticeship | About $48,000–$58,000 | Apprenticeship or trade school |
| Medical assistant | 9–12 months | About $35,000–$40,000 | Trade school or community college; hospitals hire regularly |
| Chemical operator / Process tech | 6–24 months | About $50,000–$65,000 | BridgeValley CTC's process technology program; plants hire from it |
Pay is a typical range for experienced workers in the Charleston metro area, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics area data (May 2024), rounded. Starting pay is lower. Chemical plant jobs often pay above the other trades.
Ready to see what's near you in Charleston?
Pick a trade on the form and only schools that teach it near you will reach out.
Where to train
BridgeValley Community and Technical College
The public community college serving the Charleston area, with a campus in South Charleston. Offers programs in process technology (chemical plant operations), welding, HVAC, electrical technology, and healthcare. The most affordable option and state aid programs work here. West Virginia State University (nearby in Institute) also has technical programs.
Union apprenticeships
Electricians (IBEW Local 138), plumbers and pipefitters, and ironworkers all have programs in the Charleston area. You work full time for a contractor, earn a paycheck, and go to class—no tuition. Takes 4–5 years to full journeyman pay but you're paid the whole time.
CDL and private trade schools
Fast programs with rolling start dates: CDL in a month, welding in under a year, medical assisting in about nine months. Private schools cost more than community college but often have job placement help. Ask for accreditation and placement numbers before you sign.
What West Virginia will help pay
West Virginia money for training
- PROMISE Scholarship
- For West Virginia high school graduates who completed a core college-prep track with a 3.0 GPA and ACT score of 21 or higher. Covers full tuition at in-state public schools. Ask your counselor if you qualify.
- WV Invest Grant
- For adults 18+ training in high-demand fields. Covers tuition and fees at WV community and technical colleges after other aid. Priority for healthcare, IT, skilled trades, and CDL programs.
- WV Higher Education Grant
- Need-based grant for WV residents attending an in-state school. Income-based. Apply through the WV HEPC.
- Workforce WV (WIOA)
- Free training through your local American Job Center if you qualify. Ask about it before you enroll anywhere.
- Pell Grant
- Federal. Up to about $7,400 a year, based on income. Fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. Free.
- GI Bill
- Covers community college, most trade schools, CDL school, and apprenticeships for veterans.
Sources: West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (PROMISE, Invest Grant, HEPC Grant); Workforce WV; Federal Student Aid. Rules and amounts change; confirm with the school's financial aid office.
Questions from Charleston
Can I get training for the chemical plants along the Kanawha River?
Yes. BridgeValley CTC has a well-regarded Process Technology program that prepares you for operator and maintenance roles in chemical plants like Dow and DuPont. The program covers safety, distillation, chemical reactions, and instrumentation. Pay in these jobs starts around $22 an hour and goes up quickly. The plants hire regularly from the program.
I'm a veteran. Is Charleston a good place to use my GI Bill for trade training?
Yes. Charleston has several trade programs approved for VA benefits, including BridgeValley CTC, private trade schools, and CDL schools. The VA Medical Center in nearby Beckley also hires tradespeople. WV has a strong veterans community and the cost of living is lower than most of the country, so your GI Bill housing allowance goes further here.
Can I work for the state government with a trade skill?
Yes. The state of West Virginia employs electricians, HVAC techs, plumbers, and maintenance mechanics to maintain state buildings, the capitol complex, and highways. These are state government jobs with benefits, retirement, and job security. A trade certificate or union background qualifies you for these roles.
What if I don't have a diploma or GED?
Workforce WV and BridgeValley CTC both offer free GED prep classes in the Charleston area. Some trade schools let you start a program and work on your GED at the same time. Pick "Some high school" on the form and we'll include schools that can help.