West Virginia’s economy has always relied on hard-working men and women who build the infrastructure our communities depend on every single day. A new report from the Marshall University Center for Business and Economic Research reinforces just how vital the state’s skilled trades workforce is — not only for the projects they build, but for the economic strength they bring to West Virginia.

The numbers tell a clear story: Over the past two years alone, the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades Council’s members generated more than $8.1 billion in total economic impact. That’s a staggering contribution — and it speaks volumes about the value skilled union labor brings to our state’s economy and future.

These aren’t just numbers on a page. They represent the livelihoods of thousands of West Virginians who go to work every day to support their families while strengthening their communities. According to the report, WVBCT members work an average of 17.4 million hours per year, earning $2 billion in total labor income, which includes good benefits. And that income doesn’t stop at the paycheck — it’s spent at local businesses, supports healthcare services, bolsters retail, transportation and professional industries and keeps money circulating in West Virginia.

What makes this impact even more remarkable is our trades’ commitment to workforce development. In many industries, workers are expected to pay for their own training or take on student debt to advance their careers. In contrast, West Virginia’s union trades invest directly in the next generation through apprenticeship programs, safety training and industry advocacy. During the past two years alone, we’ve invested $58.3 million to ensure workers have access to debt-free, high-quality training programs that prepare them for lifelong careers. With state-of-the-art apprenticeship training centers in South Charleston, Huntington and across the state, we’re not just building infrastructure — we’re building West Virginia’s future workforce.

When you invest in skilled trades, you invest in West Virginia’s future. Our union construction workers aren’t just building roads and bridges — they’re earning good wages, supporting local businesses and raising their families in West Virginia. With an average wage of $35.50 per hour, and $54 per hour when including benefits like health care and pensions, these careers offer more than just a paycheck — they offer stability and opportunity.

Today, WVBCT members account for nearly half of all construction jobs in West Virginia, directly and indirectly supporting more than 36,800 jobs statewide. From roads and energy infrastructure to schools and industrial facilities, our members are building the foundation for a brighter future. With demand for energy growing and our need for improving infrastructure, the need for a skilled, reliable and well-trained work force has never been more important.

The report highlights some impressive achievements:

• $5 billion in direct economic output from construction activity;

• $3 billion in indirect and induced impacts across other industries;

• More than $1 billion in labor income — supporting middle-class families across the state.

This kind of economic impact doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of strong union training programs, fair wages and a commitment to safety and excellence. Investing in union labor isn’t just good for workers — it’s good for our economy, our communities and the quality of life for all West Virginians.

With new energy projects, industrial growth and commercial developments on the horizon, the skilled men and women of the WVBCT are ready to deliver high-quality projects on time and within budget. Our proven track record speaks for itself, and with continued investment in apprenticeship training, safety programs and industry partnerships, we will keep West Virginia competitive in a rapidly evolving economy.

As West Virginia embarks on this exciting era of growth and opportunity, we must recognize and support the vital role of union trades. We are not only building roads, bridges and power plants — we are building the economic backbone of our state and securing a more prosperous future for the next generation.

Now is the time to invest in the workforce that has always invested in West Virginia. Together, we can ensure a stronger, more resilient economy — one built by skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen who are proud to call West Virginia home.

(Williams is the director of Affiliated Construction Trades, West Virginia Building and Construction Trades Council)