A trades training program is coming to Newport

Submitted by tim on Fri, 03/15/2024 - 04:18

VERMONT WORKS FOR WOMEN IS BRINGING THEIR TRAILBLAZERS TRAINING PROGRAM TO NEWPORT

Vermont Business Magazine For the first time ever, Vermont Works for Women is bringing Trailblazers - their free trades training program for women and gender-expansive individuals ages 18 and up - to Newport, Vermont. The seven week trades training program will run from May 20 - July 3, 2024 at the North Country Career Center.

Chris Damato, Assistant Director for Adult Education at the North Country Career Center in Newport shared, "We are excited to offer this opportunity in this area. There are many construction companies looking for quality employees in the Northeast Kingdom. This training has the potential to change people’s lives. We have a project where the participants will be able participate in “live work”, actually remodeling a house right here in town. From heavy equipment work to finish carpentry, we will be able to provide a wide array of experiences for people to learn skills employers are looking to hire."

The pre-apprenticeship program, which has trained 145 individuals since 2019, provides a safe, non-judgmental environment for participants to build skills, gain confidence, and explore career fields that tend to be male dominated. During the seven-week program, participants get hands-on experience in construction, renewable energy, and other high-demand trades. Trailblazers is offered at no cost to participants.

In addition to hands-on learning in the shop and classroom, Trailblazers will complete a paid, onsite internship with a local employer who has completed VWW’s gender equity training.

“Trailblazers is incredibly impactful for the folks who participate,” say Missy Mackin, Trailblazers Program Manager at VWW. “In addition to gaining empowerment and a sense of community, participants build skills and confidence to pursue careers in the trades.”

Interested individuals can visit www.vtworksforwomen.org/trailblazers to apply.

Businesses and organizations that are interested in partnering with VWW should reach out to Trailblazers Program Manager Missy Mackin 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 gender equity services for schools and businesses to improve educational and workplace cultures for women. Learn more at https://vtworksforwomen.org.