Vermont Business Magazine Vermont State University (VTSU) has announced that its plumbing and electrical registered apprenticeship programs have grown over 40% since 2021. Enrollment for the current academic year is at a record high of over 914 apprentices, 90% of whom are Vermont residents.
“Skilled workers are in high demand across the state,” noted VTSU President Dave Bergh. “And with the hands-on experience and training offered by VTSU’s registered apprenticeship programs, more Vermonters are getting the education and skills they need to succeed in these high-demand industries. This program and its growth are a success story for VTSU, our students, our employer partners, and our state. Registered apprenticeships strengthen the trades workforce in Vermont, expand opportunities for meaningful work and good paying jobs for program graduates, and increase the number of workers in these desperately needed industries.”
This year, VTSU has 317 employer partners sponsoring apprentices. These employer partners, like Vermont Mechanical, rely on VTSU’s registered apprenticeship program to provide the classroom education that goes hand-in-hand with the on-the-job training apprentices receive with their employer.
“I am grateful to have Vermont State University as our educational partner,” shared Sarah Patterson, Human Resources Manager at Vermont Mechanical. “Our fourteen Apprentice Plumbers are striving each day to build skills that will take them far in their careers. Having regional educational partners is critical for small and mid-size businesses - like Vermont Mechanical - that are seeking to grow, retain, and recruit talent. Vermont Mechanical’s Piping Department, led by Rick McGrath, is lucky to be able to supplement on-the-job training with the education program hosted by Vermont State University.”
“We’ve seen high demand in these programs for many years,” added Sarah Ballou, Program Manager of VTSU’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs. “This growth trend speaks to the quality of the academic program and the need our employer partners have for additional credentialed workers in these fields. Plumbers and electricians are in high demand across Vermont, and the requirement of a journeyman license to practice in these trades means our registered apprenticeship program is a one-stop-shop for employer partners and workers looking to upskill alike. Additionally, it’s a program that’s available to Vermonters at every point in their lives. We have apprentices as young as 17 and as mature as 60. We’re building a workforce prepared to meet the challenges of today, as well as those that businesses and the state may face in the future.”
VTSU’s apprenticeship program allows apprentices to gain valuable work experience while earning a paycheck and fulfilling educational requirements. It’s known for its flexibility as much of the classroom work is available online, meaning apprentices can access classes from home or work, and are able to engage in work experience with their employer sponsors at locations around the state.
For more information about Vermont State University’s apprenticeship programs, including how to become an employer sponsor or an apprentice, please visit: https://vermontstate.edu/about/workforce-community-and-economic-development/.
ABOUT VERMONT STATE UNIVERSITY
Vermont State University provides a high-quality, flexible, and affordable education for students seeking associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, certificates, and in-demand professional credentials. The university builds upon a history of public higher education in Vermont dating back to 1787. More information about Vermont State University can be found here: VermontState.edu
11.20.2025. Randolph, VT – Vermont State University VermontState.edu
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