Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor (VDOL) has awarded a $75,000 grant to the Associated General Contractors of Vermont (AGC-VT) to support the Heavy Equipment Simulator Training Initiative, aimed at expanding workforce training opportunities and engaging students in career exploration across Vermont.
The initiative, totaling $128,405.80, will fund the purchase and installation of two cutting-edge Heavy Equipment Simulators. AGC-VT will contribute more than $53,000 in additional funding and is committed to raising further public and private investment to sustain the project.
Interim Commissioner, Kendal Smith supports this initiative, stating, “This is a smart investment in our workforce. By bringing innovative tools into training programs and classrooms, we’re giving Vermonters more opportunities to gain in-demand skills and access good-paying jobs.”
The simulator program will support three main goals: increasing training capacity for new and incumbent workers, offering hands-on exploration for high school and Career and Technical Education (CTE) students, and enhancing Registered Apprenticeship programs with immersive, standard-aligned instruction.
“This tool is more than a training device; it’s a bridge to meaningful careers for young people and a way for employers to build a stronger workforce,” said AGC-VT Executive Vice President Richard Wobby. “We’re excited to partner with the Department of Labor to bring this opportunity to communities and constructors across Vermont.”
The simulator system includes motion-enabled equipment, portable and VR versions, and beginner-to-advanced training modules. AGC-VT will lead outreach, curriculum integration, and instructor support to ensure a long and successful impact.
Using the simulator and corresponding certified curriculum from Caterpillar, students and incumbent workers will be able to earn beginner and advanced operator certifications – allowing students to graduate high school with certifications in-hand and working professionals to advance their careers.
With VDOL’s investment, AGC-VT will acquire programming and curriculum for two excavator simulators. One of the simulators will be portable, allowing AGC-VT to transport it around the state to construction companies, career fairs, CTEs and more – meeting Vermonters where they are. AGC-VT hopes to expand its simulator offerings in the future to build a fleet of heavy equipment simulators, such as bucket loaders, bulldozers, and graders.
To learn more about workforce initiatives, visit labor.vermont.gov. For information on AGC-VT’s training programs, visit https://agcvt.org.
7.21.2025. Vermont Department of Labor labor.vermont.gov
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