Get hands-on and build real skills in carpentry, electrical, HVAC, and more—no experience needed. Construction 101 is your entry point into the trades, with industry-recognized credentials and strong pathways to employment.
General Timeframe: Winter, Summer
Training Duration: 6 weeks
Eligibility: No Education Requirement
Age Requirement: None
Average Pay: Starting at $22.45/hour
Who This Is For
This program is ideal for people who like to build, fix, and see results at the end of the day. A strong fit if you:
- Prefer working with your hands over sitting behind a desk
- Enjoy problem-solving and figuring things out on the fly
- Like physical, active work and being part of a team
- Are curious about trades like carpentry, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC
- Want a clear, practical path into a stable, good-paying career
No prior experience required—just a willingness to show up, learn, and get your hands dirty.
What You’ll Learn
You’ll gain real-world, job-ready skills across multiple trades, along with certifications that employers recognize:
- Safe use of hand and power tools (NCCER credentials)
- Job site safety and OSHA-10 certification
- Fundamentals of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and pipe fitting
- Weatherization, insulation, and energy-efficiency techniques
- Preventive maintenance and site preparation basics
- Resume building, interview skills, and direct employer connections
This is hands-on training—expect to build, install, measure, cut, and create from day one.
Where You Can Work
Graduates go on to entry-level roles across a wide range of construction and trades environments:
- Residential and commercial construction companies
- Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors
- Weatherization and energy-efficiency organizations
- Facilities maintenance and property management teams
- Local contractors and specialty trades businesses
With employer partnerships built into the program, many participants move directly from training into paid work.
Construction 101 is more than an introduction—it’s a launchpad. With a six-week timeline, industry credentials, and real employer connections, you can go from zero experience to job-ready faster than you think.
Training provided in partnership with
ReSource VT
Start Your Career Path with WIM Academy
Before You Apply
Your training is just the beginning.
Workforce in Motion connects you to mentorship, real-world support, and employers ready to hire. This application helps us match you with the opportunities that come next.
Students applying to Workforce in Motion must complete two applications: one to Workforce in Motion and one to the training program they wish to pursue. Our partner training organizations already maintain rigorous admissions standards for their programs. The Workforce in Motion application ensures students understand the opportunity they are pursuing and are prepared to commit to a serious training pathway.
Workforce in Motion Academy is designed primarily for high school seniors who are approaching graduation and want a clear pathway into the workforce. Seniors are given priority for acceptance, though motivated juniors may apply and may be accepted if space is available. Students who participate are interested in hands-on careers, industry certifications, and real opportunities with Vermont employers. Through WIM Academy, students receive professional career readiness support and direct connections to employers participating in the Workforce in Motion Summit.
Through Workforce in Motion Academy, selected students are able to pursue training pathways at no cost to them. Scholarships supporting this opportunity are made possible through regional workforce development funding administered in partnership with the Rutland Regional Planning Commission. These resources are designed to help students access high-demand career training and enter the workforce with valuable certifications.
Our application helps ensure that students entering the Academy are prepared to take the opportunity seriously. It confirms student intent, ensures families are aware of the commitment involved, and helps us build a strong group of students who are ready to represent Workforce in Motion with professionalism.
What You Need to Apply
To apply for Workforce in Motion Academy, students must submit the following four items together in one email.
1. Workforce in Motion Application Form
Complete the Workforce in Motion Application with your basic information and program interests.
2. Student Written Responses
Choose two of the application prompts and submit written responses explaining your interests, work ethic, and career goals. Responses should not exceed 450 words per prompt.
3. Counselor Confirmation Letter
Submit a signed letter from your high school counselor confirming that you are in good standing to graduate or receive your GED. The letter must include the counselor’s contact information.
4. Letter of Recommendation
Submit one letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, employer, or community program leader who can speak to your character, reliability, and readiness for a professional training program.
Submitting Your Application
Once all materials are complete, email the full application package to submissions@workforceinmotion.org.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email within two business days confirming that their application has been received. Selected students will receive additional information about acceptance, scholarships, and enrollment in the Workforce in Motion Academy.
Because students must also apply to their chosen training partner program, acceptance into Workforce in Motion does not replace the admissions process required by the partner training organization.
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