Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Works for Women (VWW) is celebrating National Women in Construction Week by preparing for the 2026 slate of their Trailblazers program.
Trailblazers is a free training that prepares women and gender-expansive individuals ages 18+ for careers in construction and the trades. Through seven weeks of hands-on learning participants build skills, gain confidence, and explore career fields that are traditionally male dominated. Trailblazers is a registered pre-apprenticeship with the Vermont Department of Labor and concludes with a paid on-the-job internship with a local employer.
In addition to offering Trailblazers in South Burlington and Hartford, the program is expanding to Manchester and St. Johnsbury this year.
2026 Trailblazers Schedule
- South Burlington - Carpenter's Union March 17 - April 30
- Hartford - Hartford Area Career & Tech Center May 26 - July 9
- Manchester - Burr & Burton Academy Summer 2026
- St. Johnsbury - St. J Academy Fall 2026
Nationally, women make up only 4% of all construction trade workers. VWW has been working for decades to support women who are seeking careers in in-demand fields like carpentry, HVAC, and electrical. Since the start of Trailblazers in 2019, Vermont Works for Women has trained 237 women and gender-expansive individuals – many of whom have begun careers in the trades because of the program.
“Trailblazers is incredibly impactful for participants,” shared Robina Moyer, VWW’s Trailblazers Program Manager. “Beyond building technical skills, participants gain a better understanding of the types of jobs available in the trades and the confidence to pursue them.”
VWW has employer partners across the state who host Trailblazers for on-the-job internships, and benefit from the opportunity to recruit skilled and ready-to-work graduates. All Trailblazers employer partners are provided training on inclusive workplace practices and policies- ensuring that all employees, regardless of identity, have the opportunity to be successful.
“Through Trailblazers we are providing a supportive pathway for women to enter the trades,” VWW Executive Director Rhoni Basden shared. “Vermont needs more trades people to do this work and do it well. Trades careers provide high-wage, high-growth opportunities for women, creating greater economic stability for themselves and their families.”
Interested individuals can visit www.vtworksforwomen.org/trailblazers to apply to Trailblazers. Businesses and organizations who would like to partner with Trailblazers should reach out to Robina Moyer at [email protected]
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 workshops and consultation services for schools and businesses to improve educational and workplace cultures for women. Learn more at https://vtworksforwomen.org.
March 2, 2026 – Vermont Works for Women
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