Final Trailblazers of 2025 Graduate in Lyndon
Ten participants in our fourth and final Trailblazers cohort of 2025 graduated last week at Lyndon Institute. Taught by Becky Citarella, a carpenter with Montpelier Construction, participants spent seven weeks learning carpentry and construction basics. Throughout the program, Trailblazers built new skills and gained confidence in their ability to enter the trades.
Hands-on Projects
After learning how to safely use hand and power tools, participants practiced their skills through various hands-on projects. For their first community build project, participants built child-sized picnic tables for the Northeast Kingdom Community Action Family Resource Center on Lyndon Institute’s campus. Each Trailblazer took responsibility for measuring and cutting boards. Then after staining the lumber for outdoor use, participants worked together to construct the tables and deliver them to the center. After the project was complete, Trailblazers felt comfortable using power tools like circular saws, jigsaws, drills, sanders, impact drivers, and more.
Trailblazers also spent one Saturday volunteering at a Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity build-site in Greensboro.
Other Trades Instruction
In addition to construction training, throughout the program we bring other tradeswomen to class to share their skills and experience. Trailblazers were joined by Lexi Freylersythe, owner of Nitty Gritty Tile & Trades for a lesson on tile work and Erika Weliczko of VELCO for a Saturday learning electrical basics.
Work Experiences with Local Employers
A key element of each Trailblazers cohort is the paid, on-site work experiences with local employers that take place in the final two weeks of class. The work experiences give participants the opportunity to spend time on a job site and gain a better understanding of a field that interests them. 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.
Hosting a Trailblazer is free for employers, all we ask is they participate in an Inclusive Workplaces training prior to the start of the work experience. These workshops, facilitated by VWW staff, help ensure job sites are supportive environments for our Trailblazers.
Eight Trailblazers completed on-site work experiences with employers including: Alliance Group, Birdseye, COVER Home Repair, Montpelier Construction, Murphy’s Cell Tech, and Understory Design Build.
Networking & Soft-skills
In addition to the seven weeks of hard skills training, we incorporate career support and networking events. Our Employment & Career Services Manager Paige Ruffner visited class for a How to Get the Job workshop focused on skills-based resumes, cover letters, and interviewing preparation. We also spent one night talking about workplace self-advocacy and practicing ready responses to potential gender bias or unwelcome comments.
We also hosted a Mentor Night, inviting other tradeswomen+ to share their wisdom and experience with the class. Research shows that connecting with women and gender-expansive individuals already working in the trades is the best way for those new to the industry to succeed. Mentor Night is a great way for participants to make connections and learn lessons from other people’s experiences.
Trailblazers 2026
VWW staff are busy working on our 2026 Trailblazers calendar – stay tuned for dates and locations. To be added to our notification list, email Jillian at jscannell@vtworksforwomen.org.
Trailblazers is funded by generous supporters including: TD Bank, Hart Foundation, Allen Hilles Fund, Serve Learn Earn, and the VT Department of Labor.