Vermont Business Magazine The Community College of Vermont (CCV), in partnership with the Grand Isle-Franklin Workforce Investment Board, was awarded a grant of just over $167,000 from the Northern Border Regional Commission, a federal program established in 2008 to assist in the economic development of New England’s Northern Border counties.
“There are too many jobs going unfilled by manufacturers,” said CCV President Joyce Judy. “These vacancies are a major barrier to a company’s ability to thrive and grow. We will work closely with Vermont Tech and Franklin County education and training providers, including local high schools and technical centers, to build career pathways and a continuum of training opportunities that match job demands.”
Specifically, grant funds will be used to build infrastructure and increase training offerings, including pre-employment training for entry-level workers and greater access to CCV’s Certified Production Technician (CPT) program and VTC’s apprenticeship program.
CCV’s workforce development programs are key to reviving an aging workforce and manufacturing industry, and provide under- and unemployed Vermonters with greater access to benefits and wage earning potential. Additionally, the initiatives aim to assist veterans by promoting training opportunities as well as CCV’s customized veterans services.
According to Vermont’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy report, 16% of jobs in Franklin County are in manufacturing, as compared to an 11% statewide average. Collectively, CCV and other grantees estimate that NBRC grant funds will allow for the creation or retention of roughly 450 Vermont jobs.
CCV is Vermont’s second largest college, serving over 7,000 students each semester. With 12 locations and extensive online learning options, our students don’t have to travel far from their communities to access our degree and certificate programs, workforce, secondary and continuing education opportunities, and academic and veterans support services.