rk MILES Welcomes Vermont Works for Women Trailblazers to Manchester Campus

Participants of Vermont Works for Women Trailblazers group photo while touring rk MILES’ Manchester location.

rk MILES recently welcomed participants from the Vermont Works for Women (VWW) Trailblazers program to its Manchester campus, offering a firsthand look at the building materials, products, and services that rk MILES provides to contractors, builders, and homeowners throughout the region.

The visit was part of the Trailblazers pre-apprenticeship program, which is being held at Burr & Burton Academy for the first time. During the campus tour, participants learned about rk MILES’ operations, explored the many career paths available within the building supply industry, and gained insight into the teamwork, craftsmanship, and customer service that support residential and commercial construction projects throughout the region.

“We were honored to host the Trailblazers participants and share what a career in our industry can look like,” said Jeremy Baker, Safety & Fleet Manager for rk MILES who guided the tour. “Programs like Trailblazers are helping create more opportunities for women and gender-expansive individuals to enter the skilled trades, and we’re proud to support that mission by opening our doors and sharing more about our industry,” he added.

Trailblazers is a free, seven-week pre-apprenticeship program that prepares women and gender-expansive individuals ages 18 and older for careers in construction and the skilled trades. Participants develop hands-on skills, build confidence, and explore career opportunities through classroom instruction, field trips, community build projects, and work experiences with employers committed to inclusive workplaces. The program is certified as a pre-apprenticeship by the Vermont Department of Labor, with Alliance Group serving as its employer partner.

The visit reflects rk MILES’ ongoing commitment to supporting workforce development and helping build the next generation of skilled trades professionals. By partnering with organizations like Vermont Works for Women, rk MILES hopes to encourage more individuals to consider rewarding careers in construction and building materials.

About rk MILES

rk MILES is a family-owned building materials supplier serving contractors and homeowners throughout Vermont, western Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. With a commitment to quality products, knowledgeable service, and strong community partnerships, rk MILES has been helping customers build with confidence for generations.

About Vermont Works for Women

Vermont Works for Women promotes economic justice by advancing gender equity and supporting women and youth at every stage of their career journeys. Through workforce training, career coaching, youth programs, and workplace equity initiatives, the organization helps women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to thrive in high-demand careers, including the skilled trades.