Free Vt. courses offered to fortify careers, grow economy

Route 12 near the Woodstock-Barnard line. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

A new scholarship program is offering free career training to Vermont workers as the state looks to strengthen its pandemic recovery efforts.

Announced Tuesday, the Upskill Vermont Scholarship Program is a partnership between the University of Vermont and Community College of Vermont. UVM and CCV are giving Vermont residents the opportunity to take up to two courses for free over the next year, with the particular hope of helping those needing new skills or career paths in the aftermath of COVID-19. 

The program will be available while funds last, and it is backed by about $4 million in federal relief funds allocated this year by the state Legislature. The goal is to enroll at least 500 Vermont residents through the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters, according to state officials. The program also includes career counseling workshops that connect Vermonters with potential employers in the state.

On Tuesday, Gov. Phil Scott said Upskill Vermont is a key part of Vermont’s focus on workforce development.

“As we recover from the pandemic, it’s so important that we take advantage of all the funding opportunities that we’ve been handed, to make transformative investments that will help us rebuild stronger than before,” Scott said at a press conference. 

The focus of the program’s courses are in three areas: the digital economy, healthcare, and leadership and management. Dr. Patricia Prelock, provost and senior vice president of UVM, is also a pediatric health care provider and researcher.

“I know first-hand just how critical it is to get more Vermonters working in these three important, high-demand areas and growing fields that the governor shared,” she said at Tuesday’s briefing.

Joyce Judy, president of CCV, said this is the perfect opportunity for any Vermonter needing to upgrade their job skills or re-direct their career. 

“This is a time that makes higher education truly affordable in Vermont,” she said. 

Judy added that Upskill Vermont was built in collaboration with local businesses, to make sure the educational training matches what’s most needed in today's marketplace. The classes include cybersecurity, bookkeeping, graphic design, and integrative health, among other major topics.

This effort also builds on the more than two-dozen collaborations between UVM and CCV over the years, Prelock noted.

“Together, our course offerings can meet the needs of more people than either institution could achieve on its own,” she said. 

While students can use the credits they earn towards a degree, this scholarship is intended to give them practical skills that can be implemented immediately within their chosen field. A number of certificate classes that can be achieved in one or two courses are offered as part of this scholarship. 

Space is limited, so interested Vermonters are encouraged to sign up soon. For more information and to begin the registration process, visit UpSkillVermont.org.

— Gareth Henderson

New program looks to help workers — for free

Fall colors take hold in early October along High Pastures Road in Pomfret. (Gareth Henderson Photo)

The Vermont State Colleges System is offering free courses this fall to workers impacted by the pandemic. 

Speaking at a Friday press briefing, Gov. Phil Scott said this program will help displaced workers train for new careers, and will help fill jobs that were available well before the health crisis. 

"This will be a win-win for our workers and employers, and it's one of the ways we can make our economy more resilient in the future," Scott said.     

The state Legislature allocated $2.3 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds to support this effort. All four state colleges are part of the new program, including Community College of Vermont (CCV), Castleton University, Northern Vermont University and Vermont Technical College. 

CCV President Joyce Judy said participants can choose from over 100 courses, most of which are available online.

"If you or someone in your household has been laid off, furloughed, had your hours cut, or you've been employed in an industry that has been impacted by the pandemic, you are eligible for these free classes and trainings," Judy said at the Friday press conference.   

But she encouraged anyone interested to act quickly, by going to www.vsc.edu/vtworkers. 

"Funding is only available for classes and training this fall, and you need to sign up in the next couple weeks for these courses." 

Judy noted that these courses are aligned with high-demand careers, such as early childhood education, health care, business and manufacturing. The program also provides funding for support services, such as computers, child care and transportation. 

"To those of you who have been struggling to find your bearings during this pandemic, the good news is this is a free opportunity that can help you gain new skills, change your career, boost your resume and prepare yourself for the next job," Judy said. 

Also on Friday, the governor and Judy recognized lawmakers for their work in funding and building this initiative. They thanked the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, under the leadership of Rep. Mike Marcotte, chair, and Rep. Jean O'Sullivan, vice chair; and also the Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs, led by Sen. Michael Sirotkin, chair, and Sen. Alison Clarkson, vice chair. They also thanked the Vermont Department of Labor for its support.    

During another tough news cycle, it was encouraging to hear about this opportunity for Vermont's workers. Further education and training is a key part of supporting the workforce, especially in these times, and it's an important and necessary use of federal relief dollars for economic recovery. Hopefully, this program will guide workers to successful career paths, and have a lasting, positive impact on their households and the economy. Although these benefits will take time, this kind of creative programming will lead to the solutions that Vermont and other states greatly need.

— Gareth Henderson