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LIFT 2025 Recap

by Ellen

By: Ellen Tierney, VWW Marketing and Communications Specialist

For the third year in a row, Vermont Works for Women’s Launching Inclusive Futures in Trades (LIFT) program was held in Essex, connecting 13 high schoolers to a variety of hands-on experiences. Campers worked on both group and personal projects with the help of VWW staff and industry professionals to get a glimpse into some of the skills and opportunities available in the trades. During LIFT, participants explored traditionally male-dominated career fields including carpentry, welding, automotive mechanics, and beekeeping.   

LIFT campers using plasma cutter    LIFT camper welding 

 

 

 

SPARKS FLY FOR WELDING 

With temperatures reaching well into the 90s on the opening days of camp, participants braved the heat to try their hand at both plasma cutting and MIG welding. Working through the planning stages to start, each camper drew their designs, cut out the shapes with the plasma cutter, then worked alongside professional welder Natalie Hebert to create their final pieces.  

 

LIFT camper trying beekeeping grafting LIFT camper trying beekeeping grafting

 

 

 

 

BEEKEEPING AND GRAFTING 

While it may have been too hot to have the full, suited beekeeping experience outside, Kate Blofson of Born to Swarm Apiaries had a unique alternative. Participants learned the delicate technique of grafting, a method used to produce new queen bees by transferring young larvae from worker cells into queen rearing cell cups. This method encourages the colony to raise new queens. We were delighted to hear from Kate that the majority of the cell cups took, a feat not often achieved by first-time grafters! The beekeeping session concluded with a highly debated honey tasting contest and beeswax candle making.  

 

LIFT camper taking out car air filter LIFT camper exploring under the hood of a truck

 

 

 

 

GEARING UP FOR AUTOMOTIVE 

With the help of Demeny Pollitt, owner of Girlington Garage, LIFT participants got an in-depth overview of some basic automotive skills. Getting their hands dirty, campers learned everything from changing oil, cleaning batteries with a can of coke, checking essential fluids, replacing filters, and changing tires.  

 

LIFT camper using a drill LIFT campers sitting on the picnic table they made

 

 

 

 

CARPENTRY 

The week ended strong with carpentry, led by professional carpenter and Trailblazers alum Lily Lukaszevicz. Participants got an introductory opportunity to learn how to operate power tools such as jigsaws and drills to begin constructing their very own animal shaped planter box. Moving onto their bigger group projects, half of the LIFT campers worked together to build a square picnic table for Winooski Recreation and Parks, with the other half making a bench that will go to the Audubon campus in Huntington. Campers got comfortable using miter saws, chop saws, and orbital sanders to build beautiful, functional designs.  

 INSPIRING SPEAKERS 

We were also visited by two guest speakers during the week, both of whom spoke about their experiences in their respective fields and were available to answer any questions about their careers. Julia Zimmerman is a current PhD Student at the UVM Complex Systems Institute who specializes in studying Large Language Models (LLMs). She led us through her journey and her passion for linguistics and spoke about what a typical day in her field looks like. Lexi Freylersythe is a business owner and general contractor in Vermont with a compelling story about how rewarding a career in the trades can be. With ample advice on what to expect on a job site, Lexi gave some tips on how to hold your own and make work you’re proud of despite environmental challenges. Missy Mackin, VWW’s Program Manager for Trailblazers and Gender Equity, also met with the group on Friday to facilitate a conversation about program opportunities after camp and inclusive workspaces through the use of our Let’s Talk Gender cards. The campers’ vulnerability and openness was amazing to see.  

LIFT campers play outside for a bonding activity

POWER SKILLS 

Throughout the week, VWW staff also lead campers through a series of Power Skills – activities designed to foster open and honest conversations, increase confidence and social-emotional skills, and create a safe space for the camp community. While taking advantage of the cool early morning air, participants learned new skills such as stress management, self-advocacy in healthcare settings, and how to safely participate in online social platforms.  

PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK 
  • 92% of participants reported an increased sense of confidence as a result of LIFT.
  • 92% of participants reported an increased sense of expanded possibilities as a result of LIFT.
  • 92% of participants reported an increased connection with peers as a result of LIFT.
  • 69% of participants reported that LIFT increased their interest in trades or STEM fields.
  • “I learned how to weld, to use a plasma cutter, to change a tire, and I learned I can get a career in beekeeping and I really enjoy carpentry.”
  • “It helped me find others that have the same interests and that made me more confident.”
  • “Before, I thought that I was going to be a farmer or a teacher–jobs I wouldn’t really enjoy. Now, I feel a lot more confident in doing a career in the trades field.”

A special thank you to all our instructors and guest speakers for such a wonderful week and to the Center for Technology, Essex for generously letting us use their space for the program.