Cabell County Career Technology Center student Leah Clary, center, poses for a photo with Jesse King, business manager of the West Virginia Appalachian LaborersƵ District Council, left; apprenticeship coordinator Eric King; Cabell County carpentry instructor Hugh Roberts; senior director of talent acquisition Shane Earl Dillon; and business manager of Local #1353 Calvin Brogan. Clary signed for an apprenticeship with the Ƶ Construction Craft Laborers on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Cabell County Career Technology Center student Leah Clary is given a shirt after she signed for an apprenticeship with the West Virginia Construction Craft Laborers on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Cabell County Career Technology Student Leah Clary signs for an apprenticeship with the West Virginia Construction Craft Laborers Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Cabell County Career Technology Center student Leah Clary, center, poses for a photo with Jesse King, business manager of the West Virginia Appalachian LaborersƵ District Council, left; apprenticeship coordinator Eric King; Cabell County carpentry instructor Hugh Roberts; senior director of talent acquisition Shane Earl Dillon; and business manager of Local #1353 Calvin Brogan. Clary signed for an apprenticeship with the Ƶ Construction Craft Laborers on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Cabell County Career Technology Center student Leah Clary is given a shirt after she signed for an apprenticeship with the West Virginia Construction Craft Laborers on Thursday, May 15, 2025.
Cabell County Career Technology Student Leah Clary signs for an apprenticeship with the West Virginia Construction Craft Laborers Thursday, May 15, 2025.
HUNTINGTON Ƶ A Cabell County Career Technology Center student was recognized during a signing ceremony Thursday afternoon for their acceptance into the West Virginia Construction Craft LaborersƵ Apprenticeship Program.
Leah Clary will earn hands-on training through a two-year education and work program at the facility in Mineral Wells.
Eric King, apprenticeship coordinator, said all work under the Ƶ Appalachian LaborersƵ District Council union includes ground crews, roadways and bridges, pipelines, building construction, and Ƶanything from concrete to digging ditches, sweeping floors.Ƶ
ƵWeƵre just absolutely everywhere and we have a ton of work going on right now, and weƵre honored to bring in someone new, young, thatƵs going to help continue what we strive for,Ƶ he said.
King said Clary will complete 4,000 hours of work as a paid apprentice, as well as 400 hours of in-class training. He said there are dormitories there where Clary could stay and eat for free.
Jesse King, business manager of the Ƶ Appalachian LaborersƵ District Council, is a graduate of the apprenticeship program and said it can be the beginning of someoneƵs career or their path to college. He said participants earn college credits through the apprenticeship program and can Ƶwork their way up the ladder,Ƶ whether it be in corporate or within the organization, and retire in 25 years.
ClaryƵs first two-week class for the program, Jesse King said, will begin June 16.
ƵIƵm so excited about (the opportunity),Ƶ Clary said. ƵI wanted to sign with the laborerƵs union. I like to work with my hands a lot and stuff, and I grew up doing construction with my dad, and itƵs just something I really enjoy doing.Ƶ
ClaryƵs aunt, Shanna Chadwell, was there to support her niece, whom she said sheƵs proud of.
ƵSheƵs living out her dreams and getting to go further in her career at such a young age. IƵm super proud of her. SheƵs worked really hard and overcome a lot of things to get where sheƵs at,Ƶ Chadwell said.
ƵWe live in the country, and weƵre always outdoors and doing outdoor activities. And she grew up watching her dad do construction. SheƵs always had an eye for it and always wanted to help. SheƵs a great kid.Ƶ
Katelyn Aluise is an education and court reporter.
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