Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Works for Women and Vermont Adult Learning are excited to announce that a new collaborative workforce development program, Trailblazers: Energy Works, is coming to The MINT - Rutland’s Makerspace October 1 – November 23.
“For decades, Vermont Works for Women has been working with women to provide direct training and support to pursue careers in the trades and other high demand fields across Vermont,” said Rhoni Basden, Executive Director of Vermont Works for Women. “We are eager to partner with Vermont Adult Learning to leverage our organizations’ strengths into a new training program to help meet the increasing demand for a diverse climate workforce.”
The two non-profits will come together to offer a free eight-week joint training program for women and gender-expansive individuals ages 18+ who are interested in seeking employment in Vermont’s climate workforce.
Through hands-on learning in a safe and supportive environment, participants will gain skills and industry-recognized credentials in basic construction, weatherization, heat pump installation, and more.
David Justice, Vermont Adult Learning’s Associate Director shared, "Together, with Vermont Works for Women, we will support women and gender-expansive individuals in joining the climate workforce in Vermont by providing technical skills training, basic education, job readiness, gender equity training, and opportunities to build credentials. Wraparound support from both organizations will help alleviate participant barriers and increase the likelihood of success for job seekers, employers, and our community at large."
In addition to learning in the shop and classroom, participants will also have the opportunity to complete a paid hands-on work experience with local employers. Businesses and organizations that are interested in partnering with Trailblazers: Energy Works should contact Missy Mackin at [email protected]. Participants are also eligible to earn up to $1,000 in stipends based on completion of the program.
To apply and learn more, interested individuals can visit www.vtworksforwomen.org/event/trailblazers-energy-works or email Jillian at [email protected]. They can also learn more about the new program at an upcoming virtual information session on Tuesday, August 20 at 6:30 PM - register here
Vermont Works for Women (VWW) promotes economic justice by advancing gender equity and supporting women and youth at every stage of their career journeys. Its programs include: career education and exploration for middle and high school girls and gender-expansive youth; employment and career coaching and hard skills training for women, including incarcerated women; and gender equity services for schools and businesses to improve educational and workplace cultures for women. Learn more at https://vtworksforwomen.org.
Vermont Adult Learning (VAL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving tens of thousands of adult learners, 16 years and older, since its founding in 1980. VAL's mission is to create an innovative, inclusive, and equitable learning environment that provides personalized opportunities for education and career development for Vermont residents by building relationships, strengthening communities, and fostering life-long learning. Learn more at https://vtadultlearning.org/ The Vermont Adult Learning portion of this equal opportunity program is paid for in part (55%) by a $1,000,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration. $825,000 (45%) of the project is paid for by non-governmental sources. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Learn more at https://vtadultlearning.org/
Source: Rutland, Vt. – Vermont Works for Women
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