Ongoing training for construction workers in Vermont will mean guaranteed higher wages for those workers, and a much-needed larger pool of qualified workers for construction companies through a $250,000 federal grant awarded to the Vermont Construction Careers Council (VCCC).

The VCCC received a three-year grant to provide skills training for experienced construction workers, thus enabling them to perform a wider variety of jobs and receive higher wages, as well as to train people interested in entering the construction industry.

“We have both a shortage of construction workers in Vermont, as well as ’older’ work force that will soon be leaving,” said Robin Morton, executive director of VCCC. The average age of construction workers in Vermont is 47.

“With our construction activity level increasing all the time, we need to train new workers as well create a pathway and environment that promotes lifelong learning and personal and professional growth for incumbent workers.

The classes are offered throughout the state, on weekends and evenings.

A reduced tuition rate of $275 per 10-week class is possible through the grant. In many cases, the tuition is covered by employers. Scholarships also are available for people currently unemployed, or enrolled in the Welfare to Work program. Among the classes offered are carpentry, millwork, sheetmetal working, HVAC, and supervisory training. Future classes planned include heavy equipment, masonry, painting and welding.

For people new to the construction industry, a core of courses is required, taught at high school tech centers throughout the state. On completion of the core courses, specialized courses with national certification from the National Center for Construction Education and Research are offered.

“The training is providing skilled crafts people with the opportunity to gain jobs with wages and benefits 200 percent over the minimum wage,” said Morton.

For trained crafts persons in the construction industry, the additional training will result in higher wages. “As people enter the work force from tech centers, change careers or switch jobs, employers can look at the individual’s certification and know exactly what that person is trained and qualified to do,” said Morton. “This guarantees a high level of competency on the job, as well as the highest possible wage for the worker.”

A total of 300 people have achieved certification and enhanced their career potential through the VCCC program in the past 18 months.

For more information on the program, call Robin Morton at 802/223-0603 or e-mail her at [email protected].

Today's top stories

AGC Finds Contractors Using Multiple Hiring Tools to Grow Workforce Numbers

Southwestern University's $120M Campus Building Campaign Well Under Way in Texas

Maryland Officials Award Kiewit Infrastructure $73M to Build First Phase of New Key Bridge

Caterpillar Launches Eight New Next Generation Skid Steer Loaders, Compact Track Loaders

AUSA Acquisition Complete, Now Part of JLG

Caltrans, R & R Demo and Grading Team Up to Expedite Repair

Rokbak Celebrates Three Years of High-Quality Hauling, Positive Growth

2nd Annual Werk-Brau Golf Classic Raises More Than $100,000 for Construction Angels