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Manufacturers and educators press Vermont lawmakers for modern CTE, training pipelines and employer partnerships
Summary
Owners and educators at a joint hearing said technical career education needs modernization, stronger industry partnerships and funding changes to produce the skilled workforce manufacturers need.
Manufacturers, technical‑career instructors and a makerspace director urged the Commerce & Economic Development committee to expand and modernize career and technical education (CTE) and workforce pipelines to address chronic labor shortages in Vermont manufacturing.
Brian Kippen, who owns two Vermont manufacturing companies and serves on advisory boards for vocational education, said his experience teaching advanced manufacturing exposed an outdated training environment. “You cannot attract a young person into a highly technical industry with antiquated technology,” Kippen said, and described buying modern CNC equipment for a local technical center to update curriculum and increase student interest.
Kippen said modern equipment increased enrollment and placement: his program went from eight to 12 students, and recent graduates found work in industry. He also highlighted cultural barriers, noting that some high school students and parents view technical programs as secondary and that funding formulas can disincentivize sending students to career centers.
Meg Hammond, executive director of Generator makerspace in Burlington, described free and cohort‑based programs that pair tool training with entrepreneurship and early workforce development. Generator runs youth design labs, an industrial skills pilot for 18–35 year olds and a makerspace accelerator concept. Hammond said makerspaces can be “innovation hubs” that provide prototyping, R&D, and hands‑on pathways into manufacturing careers.
Lawmakers and presenters discussed CTE funding hurdles and noted committee work to identify financial solutions. A student who attends a CTE program said simply, “I like manufacturing,” and committee members highlighted that more field trips and industry visits could increase student interest.
Ending: Speakers asked lawmakers to consider targeted capital for equipment upgrades, clearer program navigation for employers and additional outreach to change perceptions of technical careers among students and parents.
