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13 Trailblazers Graduate in Swanton

by Jillian Scannell

Swanton Trailblazers pose with their certificates at graduation

 

For the first time, Vermont Works for Women brought Trailblazers to Swanton at Missisquoi Valley Union Middle & High School. 13 Trailblazers spent seven weeks learning new skills in construction, electrical, and even welding!  

Led by Trailblazers alumna Lily Lukaszevicz and tradeswoman Becky Citarella, participants started by learning about hand and power tools; construction math and construction drawings; and worksite safety through OSHA-10 instruction from “Safety Lady” Katie Frederick of Applied Solutions Consulting LLC.

The participants then put their skills to work building shelves for their own use and then giving back to the community by building a large bookshelf for CVOEO in St. Albans and two picnic tables for the Swanton Railroad Museum.  

Erika helps a Trailblazer wire a light   Trailblazers repair power cords during electrical instruction

 

 

 

Electrical Instruction

We’re lucky to have Erika Weliczko of the Vermont Electric Power Company (VELCO) teaching electrical basics for each Trailblazers class of 2025. Participants repaired power cords, then wired outlets and lights in a staged wall they built themselves. 

Welding

With the help of MVU teacher Joe Depatie, Trailblazers spent one Saturday learning welding basics by fabricating scrolled shelf brackets. For each Trailblazers cohort we try to leverage the resources of our hosts and partners to offer unique experiences, and this was the first time we were able to offer this high-demand skill. It was wonderful to see the participants conquer their fears by stepping into the welding booths, and to see the finished shelves. Thanks to Joe and MVU for helping us have our first–ever welding experience at Trailblazers! 

Trailblazers in welding booth Joe Depatie shows Trailblazers how to weld

 

 

 

 

Work Experiences

After five weeks of hands-on learning, participants started work experiences with local employers. The work experiences are great opportunities for Trailblazers to put their skills to work and experience what it is like on a job site. For many, this experience at the end of the class shows them that they are ready for a career in the trades and that there are employers who are willing to help them get started. Employer partners included Alliance Mechanical, Birdseye of Vermont, CJ Design Build, Courtland Construction, Lewis Creek Builders, and Montpelier Construction. If you’re interested in hosting a Trailblazers participant for a work experience, email Robina at rmoyer@vtworksforwomen.org.  

Participant Feedback
  • “This program has empowered me to continue learning new skills and feel confident navigating spaces not typically or traditionally held by women or nonbinary individuals. I am extremely grateful for this impactful opportunity!” 
  • “I felt prepared to walk onto a jobsite and confident I could do what was asked of me and if not, to be able to ask questions or generally speak up and advocate for myself.” 
  • “I appreciate having gained confidence, skills, and knowledge, gaining a community of caring and supportive friends, and the ongoing support from VWW.” 

 

This Trailblazers graduation marks our 20th class since 2019 and brings our total number of Trailblazers trained to 212! We’re grateful to our many supporters – like you – who make this work possible. Our final two cohorts of 2025 will take place in Hartford and Lyndon. There is still space in the Lyndon class; learn more and apply here.  

Trailblazers is funded by generous supporters including TD Bank, Hart Foundation, Vermont Department of Labor, and Serve Learn Earn. 

 

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