{"id":630888,"date":"2025-09-08T17:37:43","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T21:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vtdigger.org\/?p=630888"},"modified":"2025-09-08T17:37:48","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T21:37:48","slug":"joshua-reap-trade-education-solves-more-than-just-a-labor-shortage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vtdigger.org\/2025\/09\/08\/joshua-reap-trade-education-solves-more-than-just-a-labor-shortage\/","title":{"rendered":"Joshua Reap: Trade education solves more than just a labor shortage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This commentary is by Joshua Reap, of Candia, New Hampshire. Reap is the board president of the Vermont Construction Academy, where he helps lead efforts to expand hands-on construction education and credential-based workforce training across the state. He also serves as the president and CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire\/Vermont (ABC NH\/VT), advocating for workforce development, opportunity in the trades and policies that support a strong, skilled construction industry.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

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We\u2019re facing a workforce crisis: thousands of open jobs in the trades<\/a>, and not enough people trained to fill them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On one side, we have thousands of job openings across the skilled trades \u2014 positions in carpentry, electrical, HVAC and more \u2014 offering strong wages, long-term security and a clear path for advancement. On the other side, we have young adults uncertain about their future, displaced workers needing to retool and an aging generation of tradespeople preparing to retire<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Vermont Construction Academy was built to bridge that gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With multiple pathways into the workforce \u2014 whether it\u2019s our boot camps, registered apprenticeships or custom, off-site technical trainings \u2014 the academy is helping to redefine what career success looks like. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re doing it at a critical time, when traditional education systems, especially public career and technical education centers are simply unable to serve the number of people who want to build a better future<\/a> with their hands and minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We believe the trades deserve a seat at the table \u2014 not just because we need buildings built or roads paved, but because we also need problem solvers, creative thinkers and lifelong learners who understand how to lead, collaborate and show up with purpose. The academy doesn\u2019t just teach technical skills. We develop the social skills, teamwork and integrity needed to thrive in today\u2019s economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is, our economy is changing faster than anyone can keep up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As artificial intelligence begins to disrupt a variety of industries<\/a> \u2014 from legal and financial services to media and customer support \u2014 the trades are emerging as a future-proof career path. You cannot replace a plumber with an algorithm. You cannot patch drywall with a chatbot. The construction industry is \u2014 and will remain \u2014 one of the most knowledge-driven, human-powered sectors of the workforce. In Vermont, we\u2019re doubling down on that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The latest workforce report from Associated Builders and Contractors National<\/a> ranked New Hampshire among the top four states in the country for lowest construction unemployment in June. Much like our neighbors to the east, this report shows Vermont not far behind \u2014 and with the work we\u2019re doing through the Vermont Construction Academy, we\u2019re on track to close that gap even further.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019re not just talking about it. We\u2019re building real momentum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Under the leadership of Ross Lavoie, the academy has expanded real-world, hands-on training opportunities. Ross regularly brings in industry experts to work directly with students, giving them the chance to learn by doing \u2014 welding, roofing, framing and more \u2014 all under the guidance of professionals actively working in the field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These immersive experiences are what set the academy apart. Our boot camps are upskilling students, veterans and career changers alike. We\u2019re building partnerships with contractors who are eager to hire. We\u2019re reaching individuals who have long been underserved or overlooked by traditional systems because that\u2019s what the workforce actually needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We don\u2019t do it alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Everything we do at the Vermont Construction Academy is grounded in our core values:<\/p>\n\n\n\n