As the state kicked off Apprenticeship Week last week, Vermont State University (VTSU) announced that its plumbing and electrical registered apprenticeship programs have grown over 20% in two years. Enrollment for the current academic year is at a record high of over 870 apprentices after multiple years of sustained growth.
“Vermont State University is dedicated to equipping the next generation of skilled workers with the hands-on experience and training they need to succeed in high-demand industries,” noted Vermont State University President Dave Bergh. “In fact, 90% of this year’s apprentices come from Vermont and will be making a direct and sustained impact on the skilled workforce that the state and employers need in these critical fields. We’re incredibly proud of this program’s success and of the opportunities for meaningful work and a good paying job it makes available to its graduates.”
“Vermont desperately needs skilled workers in all sectors, but especially the trades. As someone who knows how valuable trades careers are, and how many plumbers and electricians we need here in Vermont, I’m so pleased to see such strong interest in Vermont State University’s apprenticeship-based training,” said Governor Phil Scott. “VTSU plays an important role in the state’s workforce development efforts and this program’s success is a testament to the strong partnerships between the university, local employers, and the Vermont Department of Labor.”
As VTSU continues to expand its apprenticeship offerings to meet demand, the university is committed to supporting Vermont’s economic growth by providing a steady stream of skilled workers in critical fields. With plans for further expansion in the coming years, VTSU is poised to remain a leader in workforce development and training in the region. Employer partners like Vermont Mechanical are key to the success of the program.
“We are pleased to be a partner with VTSU on educating our Apprentice Plumbers and we directly benefit from having this established program in our region,” shared Rick McGrath, piping department manager at Vermont Mechanical. “Educational partnerships across our region are critical to supporting the construction trades and VTSU is at the center of this with their apprenticeship offerings. Our VTSU students have appreciated the support offered from administration and teachers as well as the flexibility of online learning. We look forward to this ongoing partnership.”
“Our apprenticeship program provides both students and employers with a unique opportunity to collaborate and build a workforce that is prepared to meet the evolving challenges facing businesses and the state,” added Sarah Ballou, program manager of VTSU’s registered apprenticeship programs. “Our team has worked hard to partner with the State of Vermont’s Department of Labor to better assist employers by focusing on the entire apprenticeship experience. This, along with the state’s dire need for additional workers in the trades and the requirement of a journeyman license to practice in electrical and plumbing, is really driving demand in this program.”
VTSU’s apprenticeship program is known for its flexibility and adaptability, allowing apprentices to gain valuable work experience while earning a paycheck and fulfilling educational requirements. Much of the classroom work is available online, offering maximum flexibility as apprentices also engage in work experience with their employer sponsors around the state.
For more information, visit: Vermontstate.edu/about/workforce-community-and-economic-development.
