Who checks the software’s work?

Dear Editor,

A recent report published by VTDigger on a Brattleboro manufacturing roundtable described employers and educators working to strengthen the talent pipeline. One missing measure is whether beginners learn to spot problems that automated systems overlook.

In a recent employment study, Anthropic reported that the share of its technical hires who were junior fell from 27% to 9% as artificial intelligence agents took on more work. Vermont manufacturers face different conditions, but the question is timely: Who will teach workers sound judgment when software increasingly handles routine preparation?

The Windham Regional Career Center and employers should jointly design supervised, paid practice in checking automated output. Give a trainee a simulated production order with conflicting specifications. Ask them to find the mismatch, consult the authoritative drawing and bring a recommended correction to a qualified supervisor. Never make actual safety decisions part of an unsupervised exercise.

Vermont’s registered apprenticeship system already combines classroom instruction with work alongside experienced professionals. Employers can add short error-detection exercises and document when each apprentice can handle ordinary exceptions without prompting.

Count placements and certificates, certainly. Also report how many apprentices demonstrate reliable verification skills and remain employed after training. That would tell Windham County whether its manufacturing pipeline builds the competence employers need.

Gleb Tsipursky

Columbus, Ohio

Read the story on VTDigger here: Who checks the software’s work?.