VHV Company proudly celebrated the graduation of Nine (9) apprentices from its registered apprenticeship programs on Friday, welcoming Vermont Governor Phil Scott, Vermont Department of Labor Commissioner Kendal Smith, and numerous leaders from government, education, and industry to recognize the accomplishments of the graduates and the importance of workforce development across Vermont.
The ceremony honored graduates from VHV's in-house HVACR Service Technician and Sheet Metal apprenticeship programs, as well as graduates of the Vermont State Registered Plumbing Apprenticeship Program through Vermont State University.
Hosted at VHV's headquarters in Winooski, the event brought together graduates, families, instructors, employee-owners, and workforce development partners to celebrate the dedication required to complete more than 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and four years of classroom instruction.
"Today is about much more than earning a certificate," said Tom Dacres, President & CEO of VHV Company. "It's about building people, creating opportunities, and strengthening Vermont's workforce. Every graduate here has invested years of hard work into developing a trade that will serve them for a lifetime, and we're incredibly proud of what they've accomplished."
Governor Scott addressed the graduates, recognizing the critical role apprenticeship plays in developing Vermont's skilled workforce. Commissioner Kendal Smith also spoke about the importance of Registered Apprenticeship as a proven pathway to meaningful careers while helping employers address workforce needs across the state.
Following the ceremony, Governor Scott, Commissioner Smith, and the distinguished guests remained at VHV for an extended tour of the company's offices, Virtual Design Construction (VDC) process, engineering & estimating, sheet metal fabrication facility, piping prefabrication operations, and a preview of VHV's new HVACR Training Lab, which is currently under development. The tour highlighted VHV's continued investment in apprenticeship, employee development, safety, innovation, and the future of the skilled trades.
The event also recognized the many partners who help make VHV's apprenticeship program successful, including the Vermont Department of Labor, Vermont Department of Economic Development, the Vermont Training Program, Associated Builders and Contractors of New Hampshire/Vermont (ABC NH/VT), Vermont State University, the Lake Champlain Chamber, and numerous instructors, mentors, and members of VHV's Training Committee.
Since launching its NCCER-based apprenticeship program in 2017, VHV has developed Vermont's largest sponsored apprenticeship program, VHV has become the State of Vermont’s largest employer-sponsored apprenticeship programs. This fall, the company will continue training 66 active apprentices across its Plumbing, HVACR Service Technician, and Sheet Metal programs, reinforcing VHV's long-term commitment to developing skilled trades professionals and strengthening Vermont's construction workforce.
"As a 100% employee-owned company, we believe our greatest investment isn't in equipment or buildings - it's in people," Dacres added. "Programs like this create careers, strengthen families, and help ensure Vermont has the skilled workforce needed for generations to come."
