On Wednesday, November 20th ABC NH/VT was invited to Governors Phil Scotts office on the “5th floor” of the Pavilion building in Montpelier, VT for his weekly press conference. Ryan Ahern, Director of Field Operations for ReArch and Ted Sheehan, Apprentice Participant at ReArch also attended the press conference to recognize apprenticeship week. Vermont Works for Women who also hosts apprenticeship programs joined in the conference.

Governor Scott started off the press conference with a speech recognizing the hard work Vermonters face in growing their workforce, but also in retaining the workforce through programs like apprenticeships. Scotts applauded that employers across the state now have over 1,500 active participants in apprenticeships and that the state would work hard to expand those opportunities and programs. The Governor pointed out that we need to continue to create pathways into professions because the average age of a worker in Vermont is 55 and we are in a demographic crisis.

Following Scott was Vermont Department of Labor Commissioner, Michael Harrington who echoed the governor’s statements and added some of his own insight. He reported on the hard work the agency was doing to improve outcomes for employers and employees while focusing on future financial investments needed to expand opportunities.

Josh Reap, CEO ABC NH/VT, stepped up next to talk about the excitement and results from apprenticeship programs including some of the benefits of careers in construction. Reap pointed out that growing the construction trade was one of the methods that Vermonters could use to solve the existing housing crisis by, “building our way out of it”. He also pointed out that the average age of a construction worker in Vermont was 60 years old and we are in full crisis mode in need of growth which is why ABC NH/VT and its members were active in creating more opportunities.

Ryan Ahern, Director of Field Operations for ReArch went next with a passionate speech declaring that ReArch would continue to grow, train and recruit as much as possible to meet the community needs. He said, “We are going to bring dignity back to the trades” which is a much-needed message for young people and people who may not be served well by their current employment situations. Ahern shared his experience of learning the basics and hard work that he and ReArch seek to share with others. His tone was clear and the message was that we have our work cut out for us.

Closing the show was Ted Sheehan, a recent graduate of the ABC NH/VT Carpentry Apprenticeship and ReArch builder. Sheehan shared his experience which started with a four-year college route but quickly realized it wasn’t for him. He said he learned about ReArch and the opportunities to grow there and the support they shared. He explained how the apprenticeship program helped him earn a good living while at the same time improving his skills and experience in the industry. Sheehan said he appreciated both ReArch and ABC NH/VT for their partnership in the program that has helped him reach personal success.