Vermont Construction Academy Opens to Address Skilled Labor Shortage
WINOOSKI, Vt. — The Vermont construction industry is poised for change with the opening of the Vermont Construction Academy, a groundbreaking training center launched this week in Winooski. This facility, the first of its kind in the state, aims to tackle the persistent shortage of skilled labor that has plagued the sector for years.
Supported by a coalition of companies, including competitors, the academy offers post-secondary, hands-on education designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the trades. "This is just the beginning of a major shift in how Vermont develops skilled talent," said Josh Reap, president of the Vermont Construction Academy. He highlighted the academy’s unique combination of industry, education, and government collaboration to combat the workforce challenge.
The launch event attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including Vermont Governor Phil Scott, local educators, and construction industry representatives. Steven Polli, president of Polli Construction Inc., expressed strong support for the initiative, stressing the need to rebuild the pipeline for skilled trades. "Many high school students would benefit from attending trade schools," he stated.
Spanning 10,000 square feet, the academy features state-of-the-art classrooms and a fully outfitted job site with dedicated training equipment. Its goal is to provide students with real-world skills while connecting them with employers who offer competitive wages, health insurance, and opportunities for career advancement. Martin Pigeon, craft manager at PC Construction, emphasized the academy’s commitment to knowledge transfer, stating, “We’re willing to teach.”
Currently, the Vermont Construction Academy is hosting an open house through early summer, leading up to its construction boot camp. Interested applicants can explore enrollment and program details on the academy’s website.
————————————————————————
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image associated with the presented article. Due to copyright reasons, we are unable to use the original images. However, you can still enjoy the accurate and up-to-date content and information provided.
————————————————————————
