CTE revolving loan fund credited with enabling Habitat builds, training students for construction jobs

Zach Watson, executive director of Central Vermont Habitat for Humanity, told the Commerce & Economic Development Committee that the CTE revolving loan fund — administered by a local loan partner and described in testimony as offering 0% interest financing with potential forgiveness when tied to affordable housing — has been an effective tool for keeping construction moving during periods of high material and labor costs.

Watson said the fund helped move the organization from building a home every other year to completing multiple units, including two completed units last year and three units planned for this year. He credited partnerships with Randolph Tech, Central Vermont Tech and Green Mountain Technical Center for supplying student labor and training opportunities.

Students offered concrete examples: Wyatt, a Randolph Tech student, said he helped hang drywall, mud and tape, did plumbing and HVAC work and subsequently obtained a job at Huntington Homes. Randolph and Central Vermont instructors described multi‑month hands‑on programs in which students completed permitting and inspections alongside contractors, gaining workplace habits and trade skills that improve employment prospects.

Witnesses urged the committee to preserve funding that supports the CTE‑Habitat partnerships and to recognize the program’s workforce development benefits in future budget decisions.