UPDATE: May 7 at 11 a.m. This event is officially sold out.
Tuesday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.—CASTLETON — With over 2,000 students from nearly 40 schools already registered, the Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo, presented by F.W. Webb, is shaping up to be one of the most impactful career-focused events in Vermont this year. The Skills Expo will take place on Tuesday, May 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Vermont State University Castleton campus and will be open to students, parents, educators, and community members interested in exploring hands-on, high-demand careers.
The event, hosted in collaboration with the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), is part of a nationwide initiative to address the growing skills gap in the trades. Organizers are responding to what has been called the “silver tsunami,” where five skilled tradespeople retire for every two entering the workforce.
“The skills expo is a powerful way to connect students with industry leaders and help them envision a successful future in the trades,” said Lyle Jepson, Executive Director of CEDRR. “Our mission is to create a thriving economic climate, and that starts with workforce development.”
From plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC to welding, construction, cosmetology, and culinary arts, the Skills Expo will give students and attendees hands-on exposure to real career options. Interactive exhibits and live tool demonstrations will allow participants to explore new technologies and learn directly from professionals in the field.
“It’s like touch-a-truck for teens and grownups,” said Shana Brunye, executive director of Bring Back the Trades. “There are so many amazing exhibits happening at the Vermont event—I can’t wait for the students, parents, and community members to see the creativity.”
Event highlights:
Interactive trade exhibits: Hands-on activities and demonstrations from Vermont businesses showcasing their industries
Tool & equipment demos: Live displays of the latest tools and technologies used across skilled trades
Networking opportunities: Students will engage with local professionals and potential employers.
Scholarships: Bring back the trades will award more than $20,000 in scholarships to Vermont students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.
Supported by local businesses and education partners, the expo also aims to challenge outdated perceptions of trade careers and promote them as lucrative, fulfilling options for young Vermonters.
For more information, visit: bringbackthetrades.org.
