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PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - West Virginia is a state that is known for their blue-collar work. That idea started generations before us and it is kept alive by generations now and in the future.

Tuesday afternoon a new generation of men and women entering the workforce got the opportunity to find their love for blue-collar work. They participated in a camp that gives students the opportunity to get hands-on experience and training with different trades such as welding, crane work, drone work, poly pipe fusion and more.

The week-long camp was sponsored by the City of Parkersburg and Workforce Development Board the Mid-Ohio Valley to help retain the skilled trade laborers in the area.

“Well, if you do some hands-on activities with them to not only look at their interests but their attitude and ability to do certain jobs that sparks those interests and that interest becomes a fire. They become hungry and want to do that and make a career out of it,” said Bill Monterosso.

The students who attend the camp will get the opportunity to get hands on experience with many different skilled trades.