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CASTLETON, VT — The Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo, presented by F.W. Webb, is gearing up to be one of the most impactful trade-focused events in Vermont. With over 1,600 students from nearly 40 schools and hundreds of community members already pre-registered to attend, the event is set to provide hands-on experiences and career exploration opportunities for students, parents, and community members alike.
Sponsored by F.W. Webb and in collaboration with the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR) the event is hosted by Vermont State University Castleton Campus. The Skills Expo will take place on May 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering a unique opportunity for students to explore high-demand, high-paying careers in the skilled trades.
Why This Event Matters
With the “silver tsunami” of retirements looming, where five tradespeople retire for every two entering the workforce, the skills gap in the trades is more pressing than ever. The Bring Back the Trades Skills Expo provides a solution by exposing students to real career opportunities in fields such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical work, construction, welding, cosmetology, culinary and more—all through hands-on experiences and direct engagement with industry professionals.
Event Highlights
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Interactive Exhibits: Experience hands-on trade demonstrations from businesses eager to showcase their work and technologies. “It’s like touch-a-truck for teens and grown ups—there are so many amazing exhibits happening at the Vermont event—I can’t wait for the students, parents, and community members to see the creativity,” said Bring Back the Trades Executive Director Shana Brunye.
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Equipment & Tool Demos: See trade professionals in action, high tech industry tools, and learn about cutting-edge innovations.
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Industry Engagement: Network with professionals and potential employers looking to invest in the next generation of skilled workers.
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Scholarships & Giveaways: Businesses are stepping up to provide scholarship opportunities, prizes, and giveaways to students pursuing careers in the trades.
A Collaborative Effort to Strengthen Vermont’s Workforce
“We’re incredibly excited to bring this Skills Expo to Vermont, and the overwhelming response from schools and businesses shows just how important this initiative is,” said Steve Turner, Founder & President of Bring Back the Trades. “The demand for skilled tradespeople is growing, and this event gives students of all ages a chance to discover hands-on, rewarding careers that are vital to our economy.”
The Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region has played a key role in bringing this event to Vermont. Lyle Jepson, Executive Director of CEDRR, stated, “Our mission is to create a thriving economic climate, and that starts with workforce development. The Skills Expo is a powerful way to connect students with industry leaders and help them envision a successful future in the trades.”
Title Sponsor
As the presenting sponsor, F.W. Webb has been instrumental in making the event a reality. The company is a leading full-service wholesale distributor of plumbing, heating, HVAC/R, LP gas, and PVF products and supplies across the Northeast. Jeff Pope, President of F.W. Webb, emphasized the company’s commitment to workforce development: “We are proud to support Bring Back the Trades and help inspire students to explore careers in the trades. Events like this give students real exposure to these opportunities and highlight the incredible demand for skilled professionals.”
Scholarships
As part of the event’s mission to inspire and support the next generation of tradespeople, Bring Back the Trades will award more than $20,000 in scholarships to Vermont students pursuing careers in the skilled trades. This effort is made possible thanks to the generous support of F.W. Webb, Casella Waste, the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, McClure Foundation, r.k. Miles, Rutland Regional Medical Center, Casella Construction, Homestead Landscaping, Vermont Community Foundation’s Killington Giving Fund, Heritage Family Credit Union, Concrete Impressions, Wilk Paving and many other sponsors. The local commitment to workforce development and youth opportunity is helping to make a lasting impact across the state.
Apply to be considered to win a scholarship at BBTT.org.
Event Details
Vermont State University Castleton Campus
May 20, 2025
Free admittance and lunch with pre-registration. using promo code BBTTPROMO.
For sponsorship opportunities, exhibitor details, or general inquiries, contact Shana Brunye, Executive Director, Bring Back the Trades at [email protected].