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Building Science: Volume 3, Issue 10

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Building Science: Volume 3, Issue 10

SEON’s Sustainable Energy Outreach Network Newsletter

In this issue

From SEON’s Executive Director

It’s October!

As the air gets crisper and the leaves begin to change, we’re all looking toward the season ahead. This is the perfect time to not only reflect on our progress but also to invest in the future of our industry.

Your crew is busy on the job, but what if you could take their craft to the next level? Our fall courses aren’t just about technical skills. They’re designed to help your team build a legacy of quality, transforming skilled carpenters into passionate builders with a strong work ethic. When your crew takes true ownership of their work, it makes your company look even better.

  • Basics of High Performance Building
  • Crew Leadership: Mentoring Skills to Develop and Retain Your Workforce
  • Continuous Control Layers

To see all available dates and locations, please read below.

An Update on Our Pre-Apprenticeship Program

As you know, we’ve been working with Sarah Knight, Vermont’s Director of Registered Apprenticeships, to create a new talent pipeline for high-performance builders. We’re making significant progress in establishing a Pre-Apprenticeship program that will benefit both our industry and the State of Vermont.

This initiative is designed to bridge the gap in available workers who possess essential carpentry skills and a strong work ethic. It’s a key part of our mission to create an infrastructure of learning that meets the unique demands of residential builders in Vermont.

What is the Pre-Apprenticeship Program? What Builders Get Out of It…and more. You’ll find all the details you need to know about this new program below.

Thank you for your continued support. I also want to take a moment to welcome Anthony Girard to our board. His expertise and dedication will be a huge asset to our organization.

Onward and upward until next month,

Guy Payne
Executive Director

Guy Payne, Executive Director - the Sustainable Energy Outreach Network - SEON
Guy Payne, Executive Director Sustainable Energy Outreach Network (SEON)

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Fall Training Classes

  • Basics of High Performance Building

    • October 22 & 29, 2025 (Two-part training)

    • November 5 & 19, 2025 (Two-part training)

    • November 12 & 19, 2025 (Two-part training)

  • Crew Leadership: Mentoring Skills to Develop and Retain Your Workforce

    • October 7 & 15, 2025 (Two-part training)

    • November 11 & 18, 2025 (Two-part training)

    • November 13 & 20, 2025 (Two-part training)

    • December 11 & 18, 2025 (Two-part training)

  • Water, Air, and Thermal Continuous Control Layers

    • December 9 & 16, 2025 (Two-part training)

Carpentry Hiring Headaches? Secure Your Next Great Employee Pre-Apprenticeship Program

What is the Pre-Apprenticeship Program?

The Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a three-month intensive training program designed to prepare dedicated, motivated individuals for a career in carpentry. The program focuses on developing fundamental skills and a strong work ethic, ensuring that participants are not just skilled builders, but also committed and reliable team members, with strong character and work ethic. It is intended to bridge the gap in available workers who possess essential carpentry skills.

What Builders Get Out of It

  • Vetted and Committed Workers: You receive access to a pool of heavily vetted, highly motivated students who have already completed an intensive three-month program. These individuals are committed to a career in the trades.
  • Dedicated Skill Development: The program provides a master carpenter from your team to oversee the apprentice’s skill development, ensuring they learn the specific techniques and standards your company values.
  • Three-Year Employment Agreement: You and the apprentice will enter into a three-year employment agreement. The agreement includes language that provides flexibility and protects your business interests while ensuring a long-term commitment from the apprentice.
  • Reasonable Salary Compensation: Apprentices are brought on at a reasonable salary, which can be a significant perk as you gain a dedicated, trained builder for a lower hourly rate.
  • Partial Reimbursement: In some cases, you may be eligible for partial reimbursement for the apprentice’s wages through the Vermont Department of Labor.

Builder Requirements

To participate in the program, builders must meet the following requirements:

  • Master Carpenter: You must provide one experienced carpenter, referred to as a “master carpenter,” to mentor the apprentice. This is not a state-licensed title, but rather someone on your team with a high level of skill.
  • Registered in Good Standing: Your company must be registered and in good standing with the state of Vermont.
  • Employment Agreement: You will enter into a three-year employment agreement with the apprentice.
  • Apprenticeship Classes: You must agree to release the apprentice for one day a week so they can attend additional classes to continue their formal education.
  • Pay and Insurance: You are responsible for the apprentice’s salary, following a developed pay schedule, and providing insurance coverage. Apprentices come with their own basic hand tools, but you are responsible for providing all other necessary tools.
  • Hiring Commitment: You are expected to hire the apprentice for at least four days a week upon completion of the pre-apprenticeship program. You will have input on the hiring process and get to choose your potential apprentice.

What the Student Gets Out of It

  • A Clear Career Pathway: The program provides a clear pathway to becoming a knowledgeable, experienced professional with the title of Journeyman.
  • Paid Employment and Education: Students receive three months of paid training, with tools and education costs covered.
  • Guaranteed Employment: Upon completion, they receive guaranteed employment as an apprentice with an established, legal builder.

Apprenticeship Program Syllabus

  • Program Structure: The full apprenticeship program runs for four years, with students attending classes one day a week. This amounts to 144 hours per year. The program covers a total of 6,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.
  • Curriculum: The curriculum includes instruction in core skills such as electrical and plumbing.

Sweet Solution to a Hidden Problem

Stair Treads Genius
“I was working on this stair and failed to find a hidden stair tread support. With all these beautiful timber frame and CLT hardware pieces available, there ought to be something for stair treads. (help?)
I figured out a solution involving 1 1/2″ angle. What screws would support when screwed into 1 1/4″ Plywood? countersunk into the steel perhaps.”
► see more from Earthshare Construction and Robert Swinburne

Our Members – In Action

 

This is Why We Live Here
Wadsworth Design Build sustainable energy outreach network building science vermont“Nestled in 14 acres in Southern Vermont, this warm and inviting family farmhouse overlooks a native meadow to the west and wooded hills to the east.”
► see more from Wadsworth Design Build

Got Visitors?
Bensonwood homes sustainable energy outreach network building science Vermont”This cottage-inspired home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and rooftop solar – designed for comfort, quality, and energy efficiency. If you’re envisioning a high-performance home in the countryside, this is your chance to see one in person.⁠”
► see more at Bensonwood Homes

Airtightness Details
475 Building Supply sustainable energy outreach network building science Vermont “Airtightness Details: Connecting Exterior Wall to Interior Roof video – how to detail air barrier transitions from walls to roofs using clear section drawings. By focusing on proper sequencing during the framing stage, builders can simplify connections between the exterior wall air barrier and the interior roof air barrier.”
► see more at 475 High Performance Building Supply

Sustainable Light Beauty
Wright Builders sustainable energy outreach network building science Vermont Does light make the room or do lights make the room? In this case, both!
► see more at Wright Builders Inc

Golden Hour Glow
Sierra Pacific Windows sustainable energy outreach network building science Vermont ‘That golden hour glow! ✨ Our SP Safety Coordinator shared this incredible shot of his family’s home, featuring Sierra Pacific Windows. We love seeing how our products enhance the beauty and comfort of real homes- that’s what Sierra pride is all about.”
► see more from Sierra Pacific Windows

A Sexy Little Sauna Frame
Seed Design Build sustainable energy outreach network building science Vermont “Finished raising this sexy little sauna frame today! Love, love the cherry braces! Here’s the finished product for now, more in-process photos to come “
► see more from Seed Design / Build

Making a Management Team
Build Helm Construction Solutions sustainable energy outreach network building science Vermont “Our latest column is up at Fine Homebuilding magazine: Paul Eldrenkamp’s piece on Making a management team. Paul walks through the steps of how to build an effective management team within your company to help to share the load and make effective decisions together.”
►read the full article at BuildHelm.com

Interesting Links

► Do we really need refrigerators – or can they be part of the build?

► This Vermont public building was named one of the ‘ugliest’ the U.S.: Can you guess?

► Modeling building performance where buildings gain efficiencies by clustering in networks to mimic ecological systems.
► A ‘post-apocalyptic’ shipwreck tower will be this country’s tallest building

► The preparation and performance of high-performance gypsum-based self-leveling mortar from solid waste recycling
► Recycled Plastics In Green Building Materials Market Size to Hit USD 12.24 Bn by 2034

► Treated pineapple fiber and recycled plastic create a revolutionary sandwich composite, poised to build a greener future with its unprecedented strength and lightweight design.

 

Events

Mass Timber+ 2025 Conference

Join WoodWorks for a conference focused on the design, engineering, and construction of commercial and multifamily wood buildings, including insights on integrated and offsite construction.

October 8-30, 2025
Boston, MA

 

Wagdy Anis Symposium on Building Science 2025

This symposium explores the power of data and modeling for optimizing building enclosure retrofits to improve energy performance and reduce carbon emissions.

October 9, 2025 / 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Boston, MA

Building Healthy Culture: Collaborative Leadership – HELM

Wednesday, October 15, 2025
2:30-4:30 PM EST

Pre-Construction – HELM

Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30pm EST
4 weeks, October 28 – November 18, 2025

New England Home Performance Conference & Trade Show

Join us this fall for our two-day regional event, featuring the latest updates for home performance and weatherization professionals.

November 10-11, 2025
Newton, MA

 

Project Management – HELM

Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30pm EST
4 weeks, November 25 – December 16, 2025

 

Thank you, Members