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14 Trailblazers Graduate in Hartford

by Jillian Scannell

A Trailblazers participant uses a saw on a COVER Home Repair build site

 

On July 9, 2026, Vermont Works for Women (VWW) celebrated the graduation of 14 individuals from our Trailblazers trades training program. Trailblazers spent the past seven weeks learning and practicing new skills in construction and the trades. The program concluded with participants completing on-site work experiences with local employers.  

Intro to Tools

Trailblazers spent the first few classes getting familiar with a variety of power tools, with a chance to experiment and get comfortable with their many uses. After an introduction to construction drawing and math, the Trailblazers were ready to complete their first project. In class, participants built picnic tables for the Vermont Land Trust, using tools like miter saws, circular saws, drills and drivers, sanders, and more!

Trailblazers also spent one Saturday learning electrical basics with Erika Weliczko of the Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO). After a brief overview of electrical theory, participants repaired power cords and wired outlets and lights in a stage wall they built themselves. 

Trailblazers participants pose with the wooden picnic table they built. Trailblazers pose in front of an Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity truck after a volunteer day

 

 

 

 

 

Community Build Projects

Hartford Trailblazers spent the weekends putting their newfound skills to use in the community. 

Trailblazers spent one Saturday with Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity (UVHfH) at their build site in White River Junction. This new-build house is nearing completion, and participants worked on a variety of tasks including installing flooring, window trim, siding, and building stairs. UVHfH also hosted a Trailblazer intern who was able to help with final tasks as they prepare the property for its homeowners. VWW is excited to be building a partnership with UVHfH, whose executive director, Ashley Andreas, is a Trailblazers alum.  

At the COVER Home Repair site in Grafton, New Hampshire Trailblazers split into two groups – one group worked on the roof while the other built a new porch and stairs. The first step of the roofing crew was to set up scaffolding, clear and prepare the roof, then attach strapping, and ultimately attach metal roofing. For the ramp crew, they had to demolish a set of stairs then move and reattach an existing structure before building a platform and stairs. 

Trailblazer uses a hammer and crow bar to demolish a rotten deck. A Trailblazer uses a drill to remove old screws from a rotting staircase

 

 

 

 

 

Solar with Encore 

VWW Board Member Amber Lessard, of Encore Renewable Energy, introduced participants to the field of solar energy. Trailblazers started the evening learning about the electrical grid and how renewable energy sources tie it. The class then got to experiment with building their own grid using kits from Vermont Energy Education Program. With Amber’s guidance they were able to model how the addition of wind and solar can impact the grid. 

While she was at class, Amber presented VWW with a $20,000 donation through Encore’s Community Impact Program, which supports community initiatives with every project they build. This donation was supported by their Nava Storage project, which is co-located with the Nava Solar project in Royalton. 

Hartford Trailblazers pose with Amber Lessard of Encore Renewable EnergyHartford Trailblazers pose with their certificates after graduation

 

 

 

 

 

Work Experiences 

In the final two weeks of the program, 12 Trailblazers completed a paid, onsite work experience with a local employer. Participants spent meaningful time on a job site and to get a better idea of a field that interests them. For many Trailblazers, it’s the moment that confirms what they’ve suspected: they’re ready to enter the trades, and there are employers who want them on their crews. Hosting a Trailblazer is free; all we ask is employers participate in an Inclusive Workplaces workshop facilitated by VWW staff to help ensure job sites are welcoming for everyone. 

One participant shared, “This has been more amazing than I expected. The internship is an integral part of the overall experience, and so beneficial to have the chance to do. It opens up new connections/networking, and brings concepts to life in a low-stakes and supportive way.” Another Trailblazer said, “I want to share is just how incredible my internship with Earthshare Construction has been. I know I was “just an intern,” but they never treated me that way. From day one, they made me feel like a valued member of the team. They took the time to answer my questions, explain their thought processes, and genuinely invest in my learning.” 

Host employers for this cohort included: Alger Brook Design Build, Earthshare Construction, Emily Electric, Housewright Construction, Montpelier Construction, National Life, Norwich/Run Time Solar, Steve Dandeneau, and Upper Valley Habitat for Humanity. 

 

Additional Participant Feedback 

  • “I have regained confidence and secure within my abilities to work in the trades. I have been surrounded and making connections with other like minded people.” 
  • “I feel so much more competent! I believe there is room for me in the trades!” 
  • “Before this class, I was hesitant to take on projects. I feel like my confidence level has grown exponentially. I no longer feel like I can’t do something just because I haven’t learned it before.” 
  • “I feel more confident and powerful.” 
  • “Trailblazers has had a resoundingly positive impact on my life – I feel like so much more is possible for me than I ever knew!” 

 

Trailblazers is funded by generous supporters including TD Bank, Hart Foundation, Kelsey Trust, Agnes Lindsay Trust, and the Vermont Legislature through Serve Learn Earn. 

 

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