Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Works for Women (VWW) and the Vermont Adult Career and Technical Education Association (VACTEA) are excited to announce Women in Welding, a collaborative effort to create accessible pathways for welding training and careers. Research shows that exploration and training in female-only cohorts breaks down barriers and removes bias that typically exists for women in historically male-dominated fields.
“Being the 'only' woman—or one of just a few—in a nontraditional training program or career can lead to feelings of isolation and a lack of belonging, making it less likely that women will enter or remain in these field,” says Alison Lamagna, Director of Impact at VWW. “Creating spaces that are free from judgment and bias, where women feel safe, supported, and surrounded by others with similar experiences, is a key strategy for reducing these barriers. By fostering this sense of community, we can open pathways to in-demand, well-paying careers that women might not have otherwise considered.”
Starting this month (in recognition of Women’s History Month) and continuing throughout the spring of 2025, VACTEA is leading an initiative to offer introductory women-only welding courses at career and technical education centers throughout Vermont. VWW is supporting the initiative by offering expertise and training for instructors on creating a welcoming, inclusive space for women to freely explore and learn nontraditional skills.
Currently, classes are scheduled in St. Johnsbury, St. Albans, Hartford, Rutland, Essex Junction, Bennington, Bradford, Newport, and Springfield. For a full list of offerings, dates, and additional details, visit https://vtadultcte.org/2025/01/22/women-and-welding-may/.
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 Career & Technical Education Association (VACTEA) is changing the lives of Vermonters by providing training to gain skills, improving career opportunities, and strengthening communities, and strives to become the preferred training provider of quality programs that meet Vermont workforce needs. VACTEA is an excellent resource for businesses, students, and individuals seeking high quality, affordable adult technical education. These programs are taught in our 17 regional centers across the state of Vermont. Learn more at https://vtadultcte.org
WINOOSKI, VERMONT / March 18, 2025 – Vermont Works for Women
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