This story was originally published by Bennington Banner on April 6, 2025
RANDOLPH — Hundreds of students from across Vermont gathered today at Vermont State University’s Randolph Campus for Building Bright Futures 2025, an Industry Awareness & Recruitment Day that offered students a hands-on look at careers in the construction and building materials industries.
Organized by the Vermont Retail Lumber Dealers Association and led by its President, Claudia Homan, the event showcased the vital role of locally owned, independent building material companies in Vermont’s economy and workforce development. Participating businesses included RK Miles, Bethel Mills, Goodro Lumber Company, WW Building Supply, Curtis Lumber Company, Larrabee’s Building Supply, and LaValley Building Supply.
“These are not just jobs—they’re careers that support families and communities across Vermont,” said Claudia Homan. “Our members are local, independently owned businesses who take pride in mentoring the next generation. Today’s event was about planting the seeds of opportunity for students who may not have realized how many fulfilling paths are open to them right here at home.”
Students engaged with live boom truck demonstrations, interactive CAD stations, and hands-on construction activities. Industry mentors—alongside local contractors—led presentations, sharing how early experiences in the trades evolved into lifelong careers.
Governor Phil Scott delivered a keynote address, reflecting on his own background in the trades and underscoring the role of skilled labor in shaping Vermont’s future. “We need to grow our workforce across the board, especially in the trades,” said Governor Phil Scott. “We also need to continue to reduce the stigma around career technical education and recognize that going into the trades is just as impressive and lucrative as a 4-year degree.”
