Vermont Construction Academy photo.
Vermont Business Magazine One year after opening its doors, the Vermont Construction Academy (VCA) has grown from a focused apprenticeship program into a dynamic community hub for construction workforce development in Vermont.
Founded by leading Vermont construction companies through the Associated Builders & Contractors NH/VT Chapter, VCA was created to bridge the gap between students eager to enter the trades and the builders ready to hire them. The academy champions the trades as a rewarding, high-earning career path offering limitless opportunities for growth—where apprenticeship is just one of many accessible pathways.
“Our original vision was to build an elite apprenticeship school that could produce skilled carpenters quickly and efficiently,” said Ross Lavoie, manager and lead instructor at Vermont Construction Academy. “We soon realized the industry needed more than that. It needed a broader effort to recruit and support new talent. Our mission has evolved to meet those real-world needs for both the industry and our community.”
In its first year, VCA has launched multiple pre-apprenticeship bootcamps, guiding 57 students onto clear, successful paths into the trades. The academy’s 10,000-square-foot facility in Winooski now serves as a bustling center of activity, offering:
• Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship training programs
• Custom classes taught by industry experts
• Outreach and introductory programming for local organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club, area schools, and Career & Technical Education centers
• Continuing education for working professionals, such as OSHA, LEAD and FLiC certification courses
“Vermont Construction Academy is the result of Vermont’s leading construction companies coming together around a shared vision—building a stronger workforce for our industry and our state. What we’ve accomplished in just one year is a true reflection of that collaboration.” —Josh Reap, president of Vermont Construction Academy
Students also gain hands-on experience through community projects. After mastering core skills in safety, framing and roofing, apprentices recently built a panelized bathroom addition for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta that will be installed on-site this summer.
Recognizing that a career in the trades is a lifestyle, VCA provides comprehensive wrap-around support. This includes a new gear donation program supplying essential items like boots and work clothes, as well as financial assistance to help offset educational costs for incoming students.
As it enters its second year, the Vermont Construction Academy remains committed to serving as the premier hub for construction excellence and workforce development in Northern Vermont. For more information, visit www.vermontconstructionacademy.org.
WINOOSKI, Vt. — Vermont Construction
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Vermont Business Magazine