Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor invites Vermonters to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026, recognizing the powerful role Registered Apprenticeship programs play in strengthening the state’s workforce and economy.
National Apprenticeship Week highlights the success and continued growth of the “earn while you learn” model, which allows individuals to gain hands-on experience and technical training while earning a paycheck. These programs create accessible pathways to high-quality careers while helping employers build a skilled and reliable workforce.
“Registered Apprenticeships are essential to Vermont’s economic vitality and long-term workforce development,” said Labor Commissioner Kendal Smith. “As industries across our state face evolving workforce needs, apprenticeship programs provide a proven solution, connecting Vermonters to meaningful careers while supporting businesses with the talent they need to grow and thrive.”
Apprenticeships are increasingly critical across high-demand sectors in Vermont, including construction, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, early childhood education, and infrastructure-related occupations such as water treatment and energy systems. By creating new pathways into these careers, Registered Apprenticeships help address workforce shortages while offering equitable access to training and advancement.
During Apprenticeship Week, the Department will celebrate the impact of these programs and the individuals and organizations that make them successful through a series of events across the state.
Vermont’s Apprenticeship Week 2026 Highlights Include:
Monday, April 27
Vermont Construction Academy Open House
Location: 276 E. Allen St., Winooski
Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday, April 28
Visit to Hartford Technical Career Center
Location: 1 Gifford Rd, White River Junction
Time: 5:00 pm
Thursday, April 30
Vermont Works for Women Trailblazers Pre-Apprenticeship Program Graduation
Location: Carpenters Union, 5 Gregory Dr., South Burlington
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Thursday, April 30
Northland Job Corps (Pre-Apprenticeship) – Virtual Event
Location: Virtual for Schools & Guidance Counselors
Time: 3:30 PM – 4:15 PM
Register: [email protected]
Friday, May 1
Vermont Rural Water Association and Center for Technology, Essex Natural Resources Students
Location: 39 Cascade Street, Essex Junction
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Friday, May 1
UVM Health Surgical Tech Registered Apprenticeship Signing
Location: UVM Health IDX Campus, Burlington
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Throughout the week, Vermonters can also follow along on social media @VTLabor to see apprentices share their experiences and career journeys using #apprenticeshipVT.
For more information about Registered Apprenticeship Programs, visit:
https://labor.vermont.gov/apprenticeship and www.apprenticeship.gov
To view the Governor’s proclamation, visit: governor.vermont.gov.
Vermont Department of Labor labor.vermont.gov
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Vermont Business Magazine