The Ripple Effect: Work Based Learning at River Bend Career and Technical Center
January 29, 2026
Guest post from our partners at Riverbend Career and Technical Center, first published in the RBCTC January Newsletter
Hands-On Experience Paves the Way for Student Success
Aylhea LaBadie, a senior from Thetford Academy and a student in River Bend Career and Technical Center’s Heavy Equipment program, is gaining valuable real-world experience through her internship with the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTRANS)
Aylhea began working with VTRANS in the summer of 2025 and has continued throughout the school year, successfully balancing the demands of her senior year with hands-on work in the field. During her internship, she has been actively involved in all aspects of maintenance services, building practical skills that directly align with her career goals.
Through her time at VTRANS, Aylhea has learned a wide range of skills, from paving roads to plowing snow and performing routine maintenance. Looking ahead, plans are in place to expand her experience even further by involving her with the drill crew and providing opportunities to observe bridge inspection engineers at work.
Reflecting on her experience, Aylhea shared, “Within my last six months at VTRANS, it has been an amazing experience. I have learned a wide variety of skills from paving to plowing and everything in between. My crew has done everything in their power to assure I feel comfortable and included. I can’t wait to see what the future holds in the heavy equipment industry.”
Doug Bolles, Orange Garage Manager, praised Aylhea’s strong work ethic and positive attitude. He noted that she has fit in well with the crew, responds well to feedback, and consistently demonstrates a willingness to learn.
The partnership between the VTRANS Internship Program and River Bend’s Heavy Equipment program continues to provide students with meaningful, career-connected learning opportunities. With the support of the Agency of Transportation, students like Aylhea are gaining a strong head start toward successful careers in the skilled trades.
Aylhea’s experience highlights the power of Career and Technical Education to connect students with industry partners and prepare them for the workforce through authentic, hands-on learning.
Aylhea LaBadie, a senior from Thetford Academy and a student in River Bend Career and Technical Center’s Heavy Equipment program, is gaining valuable real-world experience through her internship with the Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTRANS).
Aylhea began working with VTRANS in the summer of 2025 and has continued throughout the school year, successfully balancing the demands of her senior year with hands-on work in the field. During her internship, she has been actively involved in all aspects of maintenance services, building practical skills that directly align with her career goals.
Through her time at VTRANS, Aylhea has learned a wide range of skills, from paving roads to plowing snow and performing routine maintenance. Looking ahead, plans are in place to expand her experience even further by involving her with the drill crew and providing opportunities to observe bridge inspection engineers at work.
Reflecting on her experience, Aylhea shared, “Within my last six months at VTRANS, it has been an amazing experience. I have learned a wide variety of skills from paving to plowing and everything in between. My crew has done everything in their power to assure I feel comfortable and included. I can’t wait to see what the future holds in the heavy equipment industry.”
Doug Bolles, Orange Garage Manager, praised Aylhea’s strong work ethic and positive attitude. He noted that she has fit in well with the crew, responds well to feedback, and consistently demonstrates a willingness to learn.
The partnership between the VTRANS Internship Program and River Bend’s Heavy Equipment program continues to provide students with meaningful, career-connected learning opportunities. With the support of the Agency of Transportation, students like Aylhea are gaining a strong head start toward successful careers in the skilled trades.
Aylhea’s experience highlights the power of Career and Technical Education to connect students with industry partners and prepare them for the workforce through authentic, hands-on learning.