"Good evening.
It’s great to be here with you tonight, to celebrate this important milestone in your lives and I’m honored to be able to offer a few words on behalf of the Vermont Department of Labor, the Governor, and the State of Vermont.
First, I want to acknowledge that most of you started your apprenticeship program just before the pandemic started, during the pandemic, or in a post-pandemic world, so let’s pause to recognize that didn’t make earning your apprenticeship certification any easier. Let’s also take a moment to acknowledge what that meant for your instructors and employers, who are here with you.
It's great to see representation from Vermont’s construction industry – with our soon-to-be licensed electricians and plumbers… it’s also incredible to see that Vermont’s manufacturing industry is strongly represented here today with GE Aviation and GlobalFoundries. Additionally, I want to give a shout out to the first graduates of a new industrial sewing apprenticeship program with Fourbital Factory – a pioneer in Vermont’s emerging fashion industry.
Whether you are an apprentice in construction or manufacturing, like those here today… or in healthcare or advanced carpentry… or in new areas like early childhood education and wastewater management – It’s important for you to recognize that you are taking advantage of one of the best way to start a career – with an industry credential that is recognized across the country… plus… you were able to get paid, while you worked toward your license or certificate.
Over the last year, Governor Scott has continually made work-based learning a priority… through increased investments and expanded legislation, apprenticeships and other forms of on-the-job training are quickly becoming a cornerstone to Vermont’s workforce expansion strategy – and the Governor knows better than most, all that can be achieved by putting your mind and your hands to work.
As one of the oldest states in the nation, our demographics have caused our economy to lose workers… With more than 20% of our population over the age of 65, retirements are happening faster than new workers entering the labor force.
This problem has made it difficult to meet the needs of employers and, unfortunately, this challenge has only been made worse over the last few years.
Estimates before the pandemic indicated that there was a potential workforce gap of 10,000 workers…
Currently… there are 5,349 fewer workers in Vermont now than there was in February of 2020 – just before the pandemic.
We also know that there are roughly 20,000 vacant jobs across the state.
And… As of March, there were 9,222 unemployed individuals across the state… When we compare the two… That’s roughly 2.2 jobs for every 1 unemployed Vermonter.
So… Even if we could put every unemployed person back to work… which we’re trying to do… we would still have approximately 10,800 open jobs in Vermont. It’s a complicated problem, and there’s no silver bullet……
Part of the solution though, is you: Each of you plays a critical role in Vermont’s future, whether you realize it or not.
I recognize that you are probably focused on the next week, month, or year… but when I think about where we, as a state, need to get to in the next 5, 10, 15, or 20 years, the only way to achieve all that we need to, is by having each of you go off and be successful in your professions, and for us to double and triple down on trades programs, just like these here today.
Because it doesn’t matter if we’re talking about housing, the green economy, aerospace, health care, education, telecommunications, and connectivity… the one thing each of these industries need in order to be successful, are people with technical skills and recognized credentials.
The governor likes to say there’s value in every job, whether it’s a PHD, an LNA, or a CDL… and that’s incredibly true… because sooner or later, we all become SME’s… Subject Matter Experts… and people rely on us for our knowledge and experience.
Across the state, there’s a need for skilled workers to fill great jobs in the traditional trades and industries new to apprenticeship that promise a successful future with strong local companies ready to hire today!
You and the skills you’ve acquired through your hard work and dedication over the last few years… are absolutely needed… they are deeply valued… and they will be an important part of our state’s future… and will be for decades to come.
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These programs, and your success, would not be possible without the hard work of VTC and the instructors who coordinate and teach the courses, plan the lessons, and have imparted their industry wisdom on all of you.
Likewise, these programs and your success would not be possible today without the support of your employers and your families.
So, I think it’s important that we all take a moment to offer our sincere gratitude to all of those who put the time and effort into making this possible.
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I happen to think that the State Apprenticeship programs that we are celebrating today are some of the most important investments we can make with taxpayer dollars. It’s a long-standing partnership with VTC and employers that has graduated thousands of apprentices who go on to join local businesses and give back to their communities.
But… none of it would be possible if Vermont’s businesses weren’t willing to step up and participate, support their employees as they navigate their class loads, encourage lifelong learning, better their career prospects, and build a brighter future for themselves and their families.
I know some employers are here today, so thank you, for being an integral part of these programs.
Finally, I’d like to congratulate our graduates and their families.
I know that this day represents the culmination of a monumental effort and a lot of hard work…
Long days at work… and long nights in the classroom… Homework and studying… plus all the other things that life can throw at us…
Going to school while working full-time is no easy task… My mother… one of the true inspirations in my life… went to graduate school while working full time… and while she was pregnant with me. She went on to start her own business, which she operated for more than 30 years here in VT… so when I think life is hard, all I have to do is remember that my mom did it all while she was pregnant… And then I shut up, put my head down, and get to work.
Most people will never experience what most of you have just gone through… and what it took to get here… but I hope…, if you haven’t already…, you’ll come to appreciate the time and effort you put in to achieve this significant accomplishment. You should be proud of yourselves.
Also, I hope you take a moment to consider those around you who helped you get there – Spouses, partners, parents, kids, friends, and family.
There’s never been a better time to be a skilled worker in Vermont. Your value to our communities, our economy, and to the future of Vermont has never been greater.
As you grow in your new profession, whether you choose to continue your education or hang a shingle and start your own business like my mother, I hope you’ll do it right here in Vermont… and maybe you can encourage someone else to join the trades.
Vermont needs you and we’re counting on you… Thank you again, for the chance to say a few words, and congratulations to this year’s graduates."
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