going to be OSHA 10 and OSHA 30—entry-level and supervisor safety training,” he explains. They also provide MSHA training for miners, even though Vermont doesn’t have strip mines. Beyond the safety-focused sessions, the association also offers many other courses. “We have confined space training, fall protection training, and several soft skills courses like supervision, leadership, and blueprint reading,” Musgrave notes. He also mentions specialized training for electrical and fire alarm systems and an emerging program centered on building science and energy efficiency. “That’s something companies across the state have been asking for,” he says, emphasizing the growing demand for expertise in sustainable building practices. stigma surrounding these programs persists. “I’m not deluded enough to think that the stigma for young men and women in CTE is going to disappear, but we can at least force the educators to shut up about it,” he says candidly. He hopes that, over time, the perception of the trades will improve, aligning more with the realities of today’s economy, where these skills are increasingly in demand. TRAINING AND EDUCATION INITIATIVES As the AGC/VT gears up for the upcoming year, Musgrave shares details of the extensive training programs on the horizon. “We’re in the peak of our training season right now,” he says, pointing out that many upcoming courses are critical for contractors and supervisors alike. “Most of the trainings are 78 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 09
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