From left, Vermont Commerce Secretary Lindsay Kurrle, UVM's Dr. Bettyjo Bouchey and Adjutant General Greg Knight display the MOU. VermontBiz photos.
Vermont Business Magazine The University of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education (UVM PACE) and the Vermont National Guard announced a strategic partnership today to enhance workforce development across Vermont.
During a signing ceremony held at Vermont National Guard’s Aviation Flight Facility, leaders from both organizations celebrated this collaboration, which aims to strengthen workforce readiness statewide while supporting the Vermont National Guard’s mission and service capabilities.
This first of its kind partnership between UVM PACE and Vermont National Guard Partnered Recruiting Initiative for Military and Employers (PRIME) program aims to help offset Vermont’s workforce labor shortage. The partnership includes goals to upskill current Vermont Guard members and family members through PACE professional development programs as they maintain their civilian career pathways, as well as provide connections to Vermont employers for prospective recruits just entering Guard service and pursuing full-time employment following graduation.
“When we have a good idea, I’m not going to sit on it,” Maj. Gen. Gregory Knight, adjutant general of the Vermont National Guard. “I need hundreds more soldiers and airmen to serve in our National Guard and employers across Vermont need good, reliable, highly-capable employees – PRIME can address both of these needs.”
Knight noted that while the Vermont Army and Air Guards employ about 2,700, they have about 700 open positions across the board.
The Partnered Recruiting Initiative for Military and Employers (PRIME) matches interested employers with the Guard, guaranteeing interviews for job openings to the military members and their families, while also referring interested employees to the Guard for membership.
"This innovative partnership underscores our commitment to creating impactful programs that address Vermont's unique workforce while fostering long-term sustainability and success for Vermont employers," said Dr. Bettyjo Bouchey, Chief Officer for UVM PACE. “Guided by UVM’s land-grant mission, PACE is committed to extending the University’s higher education expertise and resources beyond the traditional classroom and supporting our Vermont communities through accessible online and on-campus curriculum, professional development certificates, and degree programs.”
Under the partnership agreement, UVM’s PACE division will play an impactful new role in amplifying the PRIME program and referring interested Vermont employers to partner with the
Guard’s PRIME program. In return, VTNG will offer UVM PACE programs and tailored resources to Guard members and family members at every stage of their educational and professional journeys. With the VTNG Tuition Benefit program, most Service members can access degree and certificate programs with 100% reimbursement.
By understanding and addressing the current and future training needs for Vermont employers and their employees, VTNG and PACE aims to close the skills gap and contribute to solving Vermont’s significant workforce labor shortage—ultimately strengthening both individual career growth and the state’s economy.
For interested business partners and to learn more about the details of this partnership, visit go.uvm.edu/primepartnership.
More information on PRIME is provided online at vtguard.com/PRIME.
The event took place in the Guard's helicopter hangar at Leahy BTV airport.
About the Vermont National Guard PRIME Program
The Vermont National Guard’s Partnered Recruiting Initiative for Military and Employers (VTNG PRIME) program aligns the Vermont National Guard’s recruiting efforts with those of civilian employers to attract and retain top Vermont talent for both military service and civilian careers. The program helps military members, and their families, obtain or improve their full-time employment while also encouraging interested civilian employees to consider joining the Guard.
About the University of Vermont Professional and Continuing Education (PACE)
The UVM Professional and Continuing Education division helps students of all ages and stages of life pursue their education. Through collaborations with UVM’s various colleges and schools and professional development opportunities with industry experts and practitioners, PACE offers courses and programs that meet the demands of today’s busy lifestyles and evolving industries. See the full course and program selection at learn.uvm.edu.
About the University of Vermont (UVM)
Founded in 1791, UVM is the leading public research university where discovery, creativity, community, and action coalesce to secure a thriving future for people and planet. Vermont’s state flagship and land-grant university attracts $250 million annually in groundbreaking research and enrolls approximately 14,000 students from 50 states and 75 countries. At UVM, students, faculty, and staff work together in pursuit of a healthier, greener future. Learn more at uvm.edu.
Source: SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (January 14, 2025) – University of Vermont
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