Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Labor has announced the selection of pilot projects proposed by Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce and the Addison County Economic Development Corporation for the state’s new Workforce Expansion Program.
As a result of the bipartisan Act 183 of 2022, the Workforce Expansion Program is a two-year initiative aimed at strengthening regional workforce systems by enhancing collaboration among employers, educators, and community partners. The program will provide dedicated hands-on staff support and seek to help participating regions address workforce shortages, connect priority populations with in-demand jobs, and support the long-term economic vitality of their communities.
“As we continue to see more Vermonters aging out of the workforce, it’s important we think creatively about how to solve the workforce challenges we’re facing,” said Governor Phil Scott. “By addressing needs at the regional level, we can make sure there are good jobs available to help keep Vermont more affordable and our communities vibrant.”
Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce
Serving Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties, the Northeast Kingdom Chamber of Commerce will focus its workforce expansion program efforts on manufacturing and healthcare—two of the largest and most essential employment sectors in the region. With county-based labor force participation rates each below the statewide average, the Northeast Kingdom faces unique workforce challenges tied to its small, aging population and rural geography.
The Chamber will build on an emerging collaborative between manufacturers that started after the Governor’s Capital for a Day “Manufacturer’s Roundtable” in October 2024 by partnering with local employers, schools, hospitals, career and technical education centers, and community organizations. Together, they aim to build a more coordinated and responsive local workforce system that connects individuals, including youth, people who are justice-involved, and career changers, to in-demand jobs. The effort will strengthen pathways from education to employment through expanded access to CTE programs, adult CTE and other adult education opportunities, and employer-driven training.
“We are honored to be selected for this critical pilot program, which comes at a pivotal time for the Northeast Kingdom. Our employers are eager for talent, and our communities are full of people ready to work but in need of better pathways,” said Loralee Tester, NEKCC Director. “This initiative allows us to connect the dots—to bring together industry, education, and community partners to build a more resilient, inclusive, and locally grounded workforce system.”
Addison County Economic Development Corporation (ACEDC)
In Addison County, ACEDC will also focus on healthcare and manufacturing, the county’s two largest employment sectors. While the region has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state (2.3%), it continues to face high numbers of unfilled job openings, compounded by housing and childcare barriers.
ACEDC plans to reinforce and expand the work of the Addison County Workforce Alliance (ACWA), a group of community partners involved in workforce development. Leveraging ACWA and connections to regional employers, their strategy includes better coordination of job training, clearer career pathways, and outreach to underemployed populations, particularly youth, people with disabilities, and adults without a high school diploma.
“With such a tight labor market, workforce development in Addison County is a complex issue with no easy fix. Having the additional capacity and support offered by the Workforce Expansion Program will be critical in helping our industry and community partners establish thoughtful, targeted strategies for connecting underemployed populations with meaningful job opportunities,” shared Alex Armani-Munn, ACEDC Executive Director.
Looking Ahead
The Vermont Department of Labor, through the Workforce Expansion Program, will support each region with an embedded full-time Workforce Expansion Coordinator who can bridge the gap between statewide resources and local networks. By strengthening regional workforce infrastructure, the program aims to make long-term improvements in job access, training alignment, and employer engagement.
“Rural communities like those in the Northeast Kingdom and Addison County are at a critical crossroads. To sustain their local economies and preserve their unique character, these regions must find new ways to attract and retain talent,” commented Jay Ramsey, Director of Workforce Development at the Vermont Department of Labor. “The Workforce Expansion Program is about more than filling jobs—it’s about creating capacity, and building the systems and relationships that will keep our rural communities vibrant, resilient, and economically competitive for years to come”
For more information about the Workforce Expansion Program, visit labor.vermont.gov/wep.
6.10.2025. Vermont Department of Labor labor.vermont.gov
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