Trailblazers: Energy Works Wraps up in Rutland
In November, seven participants graduated from Trailblazers: Energy Works, a partnership between Vermont Works for Women (VWW) and Vermont Adult Learning (VAL).
Created to offer the best of both programs, this joint effort added four weatherization classes and four days of heat pump basics led by VAL to the proven Trailblazers curriculum of construction skills, OSHA 10 certification, paid work experiences, mentoring, and networking opportunities.
Reflecting on the partnership with VAL, Trailblazers Manager Missy Mackin shared, “The close alignment of our organizations’ missions enabled us to provide an enhanced experience for the participants. The expertise they brought to the program was invaluable.”
This Trailblazers cohort marked the fourth year the program has been hosted at The MINT – Rutland’s Makerspace.
Hands-on Learning
Under the guidance of The MINT instructors Morgan Over and Marissa Arduca (Trailblazers 2023 Graduate) the class worked on an 8’ x 12’ shed. Using the shed as their classroom, participants learned how to use and be comfortable with power tools. As a group they insulated, wired, and installed drywall.
Vermont Adult Learning was then able to use the shed for their weatherization instruction, in which participants learned to blow foam insulation and place batt insulation.
Spearheaded by The MINT, the shed will be the second of its kind to be sent to Mac Steel in Rutland to support its Artist Residency Program. Trailblazers were excited to use their new skills to work on a solution to a real-world housing issue.
Participants also completed other carpentry projects together, helping them advance both their communication and tools skills; following a building plan from start to finish, they built a wooden picnic table that will be housed at The MINT. It was great for the group to be able to see a project completed, especially one they can now replicate at home with their new skills.
“No matter what stage of life you are in, it’s always fun and empowering to learn something new and I had the privilege of watching that firsthand with this class” shared instructor Marissa Arduca.
Five Trailblazers continued their hands-on learning outside of the classroom by completing work experiences with local employers including BROC, CVOEO, Vermont Buildings and General Services, and COVER Home Repair.
Participants Graduate and Enter the Trades
Before graduation, we hosted a Job Fair where folks had the chance to talk with local employers who are hiring. Landshapes, a landscaping and maintenance company, was represented by Jane Larsen, a graduate of our first-ever Trailblazers cohort in 2019, who is now working in the trades and loving it. She’s eager to get more women on her maintenance crew and had great conversations with multiple participants. It was impactful for graduates to hear about Jane’s path and see a former Trailblazer, someone who was recently in their shoes, now thriving in the trades.
Following the Job Fair, we celebrated the graduates who completed eight weeks of hands-on training in construction, weatherization, and heat pump installation. After accepting their certificates, graduates shared about what the program meant to them. One shared, “Thank you for giving us the space to learn and ask questions.” Another said, “Trailblazers has given me a new avenue to employment. It’s taught me, I CAN do it.”
Most of the group plan to start new careers in the construction and weatherization trades and have been applying for jobs with the assistance of Haley Lebel-Stephen, Energy Works Workforce Engagement Manager, and Missy Mackin, Trailblazers Program Manager.
Trailblazers 2025
Each year, Trailblazers is offered in communities across Vermont. We are currently planning for 2025. To be kept up to date on future classes, email Jillian at jscannell@vtworksforwomen.org
Trailblazers is funded in part by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau, which covers approximately 28% ($72,755) of the total budgeted expenses for the program in FY25 ; the remaining 72% ($182,630) is funded by non-federal government sources including the Hart Foundation, Serve Learn Earn, TD Bank, and Vermont Department of Labor.