Miller’s Services and Rave Design+Build are touting the success of their expanded Skilled Trades Boot Camp program.

In its second year, the program doubled in length, offering two weeks of hands-on experience to 15 talented high school students from the Gloucester community.

The Skilled Trades Boot Camp, made possible through grant funding from the Gloucester Community Foundation, aims to provide high school students with a paid work-based learning experience, offering a glimpse into the world of skilled trades.

Students initially indicated their interest by completing an application process. Following this step, they were invited to participate in interviews at Gloucester High School, where they had the opportunity to meet with participating business partners.

After a thorough selection process, students were grouped by their rising grade level and evenly distributed between the two week-long sessions.

Each day, students were assigned to a mentor in a different trade, spending five full days rotating between Miller’s Services and Rave Design+Build. The trades covered at Miller’s Services included HVAC, septic, plumbing, and electrical, while at Rave Design+Build, students dived into the areas of architecture/design and construction. This hands-on approach allowed participants to gain an understanding of the diverse aspects of the skilled trades.

One of the program’s highlights was the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students. In a series of short video clips recorded after the first week, students shared their experiences. One participant exclaimed, “Septic, surprisingly, turned out to be my favorite trade.” Another student stated, “My favorite trade was electrical and fixing wiring on a customer’s dock. I would definitely recommend this experience. It made me realize that you definitely do not have to go to college to make a successful career if the trades are a good fit for you.”

Amber Falin, HR Manager at Miller’s Services, shared her perspective on the program, saying, “As we guide students through the Skilled Trades Boot Camp, we’re not just teaching skills, we’re opening doors to a world of opportunities they might not have considered. This initiative shows our youth that there is a successful career path in the trades, and together, we’re providing the tools to help them see a potential future.” She added, “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this program, and eagerly anticipate its continued growth in the years ahead to help build the next generation of people in the trades industry.”

The success of this program was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Miller’s Services, Rave Design+Build, and generous support from the Gloucester Community Foundation. Students who participated in the program were paid a competitive wage of $14 per hour, with the majority of funding provided by the grant, and business partners contributing $2 per hour to each student employed.

“As the Skilled Trades Boot Camp continues to thrive, Miller’s Services and Rave Design+Build look forward to nurturing the next generation of skilled tradespeople, fostering a brighter future for Gloucester County,” a release stated.

For more information about Miller’s Services, visit www.millers-va.com. Rave Design+Build can be found at www.ravedb.com. Information about the Gloucester Community Foundation can be found at www.gloucestercf.org.