Women's Trade Group Marks 25th Anniversary in Vemont

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A northern Vermont group organized to help women interested in becoming carpenters, plumbers, electricians and construction workers is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Vermont Works for Women was originally called Northern New England Tradeswomen.

Vermont Public Radio reports that today, the organization serves about 900 adult and young women each year. It helps them break into trades including information technology and food services.

The organization has grown to 21 employees with a $1.6 million budget. It has shifted from a publicly funded, nonprofit to a privately run group.

However, Executive Director Tiffany Bluemle said the percentage of women occupying jobs in the construction, engineering and technical trades is still low, and more support is needed from government and businesses.

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