VSAC will be closed Friday, June 19, 2026, in observance of Juneteenth.
Job Training & Certification Programs
Find the training you need for the job you want
If you’re looking to further your education, but aren’t sure a college degree is right for you, you are not alone. Today, more and more people are considering short-term job training and certification programs as an alternative. In fact, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. schools awarded almost 1 million educational certificates in 2020-2021.
Why Short-Term Job Training?
Most job training programs typically take 2 years or less to complete. Job training can give you both formal instruction and hands-on experience related to your career of choice—including in fields such as healthcare and computer programming.
Job training may be offered through technical or trade schools or professional or government associations. Plus, many colleges now offer certificate programs in a range of professional areas.
5 Reasons to Choose a Short-Term Job Training or Certification Program
- Speed: You want to become ready to go into the workforce as soon as possible—or transition into a new career—in less time than it takes to earn a college degree
- Specific job training: You know the job you want—and the training needed to get it
- Job security now: You want to quickly upgrade skills or industry credentials for greater job security and more job options in an ever-changing marketplace
- Hands-on experience: You want to learn in a more hands-on, practical educational setting
- Affordability: You don’t have the time and/or money to invest in a college degree yet
Vermont Advancement Grant for Nondegree Programs
VSAC offers grants for eligible Vermont residents enrolled in qualified non-degree courses or programs and there are a range of training programs offered in Vermont. Many Vermont colleges and universities offer short-term certificate and training programs in addition to their full degree programs.
There are many other organizations in Vermont that offer short-term training and certificate programs—including for profit and nonprofit organizations as well as state run programs and apprenticeships. One good way to narrow your search is to inquire with the professional or trade association connected to your area of interest to see what they recommend.
Once you’ve located the program you’re interested in, connect back with us to see if the program is eligible for Advancement Grant funding.
Learn more about the Vermont Advancement Grant >
802Opportunity
802Opportunity, in combination with other state and federal financial aid, offers free tuition at Community College of Vermont (CCV) to eligible Vermont residents with a family income of $100,000 or less.
Get the training you need for the job you want.
The high-demand, high-pay jobs in Vermont require college or training.
An associate degree or certificate from CCV can provide you with knowledge and skills to pursue a higher paying job, advance in the job you have, or build a foundation for further study.
CCV offers 12 associate degree programs and 26 certificate programs with day and evening classes. Some programs can be completed entirely online.
Freedom & Unity
Building upon the Vermont State University (VTSU) Free Tuition promise, Freedom & Unity enables full- and part-time students with family income of $65,000 or less to pursue an education at VTSU, tuition-free.
Get the training you need for the job you want.
A degree from VTSU can provide the knowledge and skills you’ll need to pursue a higher paying job, advance in the job you have, or build a foundation for further study.
Funded by the Vermont Legislature, Freedom & Unity is open to new or returning students of any age who do not have a bachelor's degree and are enrolled in an associate or bachelor’s degree program at VTSU.
Choose from 100 undergraduate programs including certificate options with day and evening classes. Some programs can be completed entirely online.