FRESH ENERGY is a social enterprise that seeks to train and employ women in the fields of construction, efficiency and renewable energy.

Vermont Works for Women is performing this work in partnership and as a subcontractor to J.A. Morrissey (JAM), a commercial construction company founded and operated by Jeanne A. Morrissey.

In 2008, VWW approached JAM to be our partner in working with All Earth Renewables (formerly known as Earth Turbines). Initially, FRESH ENERGY will operate as a subcontractor to JAM, deriving its business primarily or fully through contracts established in concert with All Earth Renewables and Burlington's Northgate affordable housing community.

Participants will be cross-trained to perform weatherization work and install solar trackers and will perform both jobs throughout the program (though some participants may well gravitate to one or the other as they gain experience).

In the beginning, we will provide instruction through the leadership of Lewis Creek Builders, a company founded by one of our program graduates (Amy Judd). Amy and her business partner, Mark Boudreau, have extensive experience in finish and frame carpentry and weatherization.

Besides on-the-job training, participants will receive classroom instruction in building science through a curriculum that has been developed by Efficiency Vermont and taught by EVT personnel.

Fresh Energy is also partnering with Central Vermont Community Action Council (CVCAC). CVCAC recently received $4.8 million to advance green jobs across Vermont. Through this initiative, CVCAC will hire staff and train 2000 Vermonters for a variety of environmentally-friendly occupations.

Because Vermont state leadership has encouraged it through legislation, sustained growth will occur in the fields of efficiency and renewable energy..

In 2009, Vermont became the first state in the nation to adopt legislation requiring utilities to provide a "standard offer" price to generators for the supply of renewable energy.  This requirement will create the stable, long-term, fairly-priced market for renewable energy resources that is needed to stimulate significant development of these resources in Vermont, which will in turn create the need for a trained workforce to install the renewable energy equipment.  

There will be a considerable number of new jobs created by increased building efficiency retrofit activity in the coming years. Based on Vermont Energy Investment Corporation’s estimates, the field will require nearly 1,000 new workers to meet emerging demand over the next ten years – over half of whom will be trained as weatherization technicians.

For more information on this program, contact Rebecca Grannis by email or calling (802) 655-8900, x506.

FRESH Energy Crew
Although we are not currently hiring for positions on the FRESH Energy crew, you are always welcome to submit a resume and letter of interest. These will be kept on file for future review.

This program is supported by the Great Bay Foundation,
the Business and Professional Women's Foundation
and the US Department of Labor - Women's Bureau.