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VWW's office remains closed as staff primarily work remotely. Please contact us in advance if you need to visit our Winooski office; our team is available via phone or email.

Trailblazers in Manchester, VT

by Jillian Scannell

A woman uses a miter saw during the Trailblazers trades training program by Vermont Works for Women
Summer 2026

Trailblazers is Vermont Works for Women’s FREE seven-week training program preparing women and gender-expansive individuals for careers in the trades. For the first time ever, we are hosting Trailblazers in Manchester at Burr & Burton Academy in this summer. Exact dates TBA.  Apply today!

Class Overview

Trailblazers offers participants a safe, supportive environment to build skills, gain confidence, and explore fields that tend to be male-dominated. The hands on training meets two evenings per week (5:30 – 8:30 p.m.) and all day Saturday (8 a.m. – 3 p.m.) for the first five weeks and one evening per week in the final two weeks.

Training includes:

  • Core skills including hand and power tools, construction math and blueprint reading, and basic carpentry
  • Industry-recognized OSHA 10 safety certification – a valuable credential for obtaining a job after the program
  • Additional training days in trades like electrical, solar installation, weatherization, and more (based on the expertise of our host communities)
  • Various build projects where participants practice their skills while giving back to the local community
  • Access to mentors, career exploration, and networking support
  • Paid onsite work experience with local employer

Onsite Work Experience

During the final two weeks participants can complete an on-site work experience with a local employer. The goal of work experience is to give participants the opportunity to spend time on a job site and gain a better understanding of the industry. All host employers are required to participate in an Inclusive Workplaces training hosted by VWW to ensure job sites are safe and supportive for our Trailblazers. If you are an employer looking to partner with Trailblazers, email Robina at rmoyer@vtorksforwomen.org.

Info Session

We’ll be hosting a virtual info session on Monday, February 9 at 6:30 p.m. Join us to learn more about the program and ask any questions you may have. Register for the info session here.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in the trades, apply for Trailblazers!

Apply for Trailblazers

 

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