Programs provide opportunities for education and guaranteed jobs
Burlington College and Vermont HITEC have partnered to create theInstitute for AmericanApprenticeships.The partnership combines workforce education, an apprenticeship, and a liberal arts education. Programs in information technology, advanced manufacturing, allied health, and business services are the initial focus due to employer needs.
“The newly formedInstitute for American Apprenticeshipsat Burlington College merges the accelerated workforce education and registered apprenticeship of Vermont HITEC programs with the individualized general education requirements of a Burlington College liberal arts degree,” said Gerry Ghazi, President of Vermont HITEC.
While the costs of higher education continue to climb, Burlington College remains committed to providing individualized education at an affordable cost.TheInstitute for American Apprenticeshipsprovides a pathway for Vermonters to obtain gainful employment and a degree through an accelerated program. Because the Institute is funded by employers and through grants, graduates earn their degree at very low cost, and many at no cost.
President Carol Moore said, "Burlington College has a history of educating working adults and experiential learning, and theInstitute for American Apprenticeshipscontinues this work. We are excited to provide Vermonters with the opportunity of a guaranteed job and completing a degree, which can further their careers."
Students begin their education with an intensive HITEC academic program followed by a full-time registered apprenticeship, earning credit and a certificate along the way. The apprenticeship takes place at the jobsite, and students become full-time employees of the employer-sponsor. Students are awarded a certificate after completing 24-30 credits of the academic program and are awarded an additional 21 credits during the registered apprenticeship. The remaining 15 credits are earned in general education, leading to an individualized associate’s degree.
“It is great to see the students receive the academic credit and credentials they deserve for going through a very challenging education program,” said John Collins, Vermont HITEC Board Member. “Individuals no longer have to choose between working full-time or going to college; through this affiliation, students can now do both.”
The Institute is beginning the selection process for the next session of students in information technology tonight, and classes will begin onMarch 30, 2015.
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About Burlington College
Burlington Collegeis a small liberal arts college located on the shores of Lake Champlain. Home to first-generation college students, new Americans, and those looking for a close-knit community, the College is committed to small, discussion-based classes and experiential learning.
About Vermont HITEC
Vermont HITEC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to recruit, educate, and apprentice unemployed and underemployed Vermont and New Hampshire residents in the fields of healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and business services. Vermont HITEC, through its education and registered apprenticeship programs, have directly placed over 1200 successful graduates into full-time positions with its employer-partners, such as Allscripts, UVM Medical Center, Husky Injection Molding Systems, Vermont Information Processing, GE Healthcare, Dealer.com, Precyse Solutions, Hypertherm, Timken Aerospace, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health and Clara Martin Center. To learn more about Vermont HITEC, please visit(www.vthitec.org).