Due to overwhelming demand and incredible community support, the Bring Back the Trades (BBTT) Skills Expo at Vermont State University Castleton Campus is officially sold out, with over 2,200 students, parents, educators, and community members registered to attend on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Presented by Title Sponsor F.W. Webb, and brought to the community by Bring Back the Trades (BBTT) and the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region (CEDRR), this dynamic event has gained extraordinary traction across Vermont. Designed to connect young people and the public with real career opportunities in the trades, the Expo features hands-on exhibits, cutting-edge equipment demonstrations, and face-to-face interaction with professionals across dozens of industries.

“This level of interest confirms what we’ve always known — Vermonters are eager to explore careers in the trades,” said Shana Brunye, executive director of Bring Back the Trades. “We’re honored to work with so many partners to make this experience possible for thousands of attendees, and we’re incredibly thankful to F.W. Webb as our Title Sponsor, and all of our sponsors for stepping up to support workforce development in such a big way.”

Event Highlights Include:

● Nearly 70 local and regional businesses and organizations on-site representing construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, energy, healthcare, landscaping, manufacturing, government, and more.

● Giveaways and opportunity to speak with many vendors including Title Sponsor F.W. Webb Company. Platinum Sponsor Casella Waste (celebrating 50 years!), Gold Sponsor rk Miles Building Materials Supplier (celebrating 85 years!), and Silver Sponsor Rutland Regional Medical Center.

● $25,000 in scholarships to be awarded to Vermont students pursuing careers in the skilled trades.

● Hands-on demonstrations, heavy equipment, and “touch-a-truck”-style interactive experiences.

● Free lunch for pre-registered attendees and a day filled with giveaways, career planning tools, and job exploration resources.

“The business response has been nothing short of incredible,” said Steve Turner, founder and president of BBTT. “They’re not just showing up — they’re bringing tools, tech, and tradespeople who are excited to help the next generation find their path.”

The sold-out Skills Expo is the first trades-focused event BBTT has hosted in Vermont, and the event reinforces the organization’s mission to remove stigma, raise awareness, and open doors for careers in the trades.

To learn more or to support future events and scholarships, visit BBTT.org.