Missisquoi Valley Union Middle and High School in collaboration with HireAbility Vermont, Vermont Department of Labor, and Franklin County Industrial Development Corp (FCDIC) will host the second annual Franklin County Trades and Apprenticeship Day on Wednesday, April 15 between 10 AM and 2 PM. While it is primarily planned for 7-10 graders many upperclassmen will be in attendance as well.
Rows of tables will be set up with professionals from industries like construction, medical care, and law enforcement. There will also be representatives from military branches and local colleges, offering students a wide range of possible visions for their future. Students will have the opportunity to talk to all of them as they walk through the aisles collecting brochures and participating in demonstrations.
Katie Coe, Senior Account Manager for HireAbility Vermont said, “With over 800 students attending, this event is about more than career exploration—it’s about creating access. For rural Vermont students, hands-on exposure to trades and apprenticeship pathways can be life-changing, and it’s a vital step in meeting the workforce needs of our region.”
Last year’s event was a resounding success with youth from BFA St. Albans, FNESU, and MVU meeting with 45 different businesses and organizations that operate within the region. Students learned more about careers, training opportunities and what they could start doing now to achieve a job they love after graduation. The administrators of the event are expecting similar results this year.