Program to enroll Vermonters in free courses to enhance skills and provide workforce training
Vermont Business Magazine Governor Phil Scott, the University of Vermont (UVM) and Community College of Vermont (CCV) today announced the launch of the Upskill Vermont Scholarship Program, which is intended to address the training needs of Vermont’s workforce, specifically for unemployed or underemployed individuals seeking new opportunities through career change or advancement in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency.
The program, appropriated from funds received via American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, will cover the cost of two free education and training courses per Vermont resident, while funds last, with a goal of enrolling 500 Vermont residents through the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters.
“Since my first day in office, I’ve discussed the need to focus on Vermont’s workforce shortage and reverse our demographic trends, which were further strained by the pandemic,” said Governor Scott. “This program is a perfect example of an impactful, important tool in our toolbox that will help provide more Vermonters the skills needed to successfully reenter the workforce or advance in their current field and rise on the economic ladder. I want to thank UVM and CCV for their creativity and all their work in these areas.”
“UVM’s professional development courses will directly help hundreds of Vermonters and employers in growing sectors of the state’s economy,” said Suresh Garimella, president of the University of Vermont. “Upskill Vermont is a textbook example of the university’s unwavering commitment to Vermont’s people and the economy. We’re proud to be part of this initiative along with the Community College of Vermont.”
The focus of the courses being offered are in three areas: the digital economy, healthcare, and leadership and management. All areas that lend themselves to jobs and careers that are in need of more talent in Vermont now and in the near future.
Courses are being offered in partnership with CCV, which will provide students with many options to round out their experience and ensure that access and success in the classes is achievable. Additionally, three free career workshops are being offered to assist Vermonters in identifying the pathway to achieve their career goals and help position them for academic and professional success.
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.
Interested Vermonters are encouraged to begin the registration process soon, as space is limited. For more information and to begin the registration process for free courses and free career focused workshops, visit UpSkillVermont.org.
In making the announcement, Governor Scott was joined at his weekly press conference by Patty Prelock, provost and senior vice president of the University of Vermont and Joyce Judy, president of the Community College of Vermont.
CCV is getting $4.5 million from several different sources of funding. UVM has received $1 million in federal ARPA funds.
The ARPA appropriated funds and will be used towards affecting positions that will have an immediate impact on Vermont’s economy, including courses in digital marketing, healthcare, and leadership and management.
All Vermont residents qualify to sign-up for these classes.
“This is an incredible opportunity for Vermont to develop a stronger workforce and for students to venture down a new career path that will benefit them professionally and personally,” said Dr Cynthia Belliveau, Dean of University of Vermont Continuing and Distance Education. “The Upskill Vermont Scholarship Program helps alleviate the financial barrier for those seeking professional development for advancement in their current job or for those looking to change careers to get the initial education that they need to secure a position in their new chosen field.”
UVM is working collaboratively with CCV to increase the number of courses and space that they can make available to Vermonters. The intent is to provide free courses to 550 students for this round of the grant. The free career and academic success workshops will be offered digitally starting August 16 for Vermont residents.
“We want to be able to prove a beginning to end solution for Vermonters statewide who are looking to change or advance their careers,” continued Dr Belliveau. “By partnering with CCV and other organizations, we will be able to help students determine what they want to do, outline the pathway that will help them achieve that goal, and then assist them with finding a position within Vermont that aligns with their new skill set. We see this process as building a solid foundation for a successful career for each student.”
“Over the past couple of years, our business has performed well, and the need for talented team members has only increased, especially those with digital and management skills,” explained Marc Sherman, owner of Outdoor Great Exchange and GearX. “With the Upskill Vermont Scholarship, I am excited for the professional development that our team can access and that this program will help us to be able to promote from within our organization.”
Interested Vermonters are encouraged to begin the registration process soon, as space is limited. For more information and to begin the registration process, visit https://upskillvermont.org/.
UVM Continuing and Distance Education helps students of all ages and stages of life continue their education. Through collaborations with UVM’s various colleges and schools and professional development opportunities with industry experts and practitioners, UVM CDE offers courses and programs that meet the demands of today’s busy lifestyles. See the full course and program selection at Learn.UVM.edu
Source: Governor. UVM. 7.13.2021 Montpelier www.vermont.gov