Main Content

Planning Career & Education Options

VSAC offers guidance and resources to help adult learners succeed

Like many adult learners, you’re likely looking at career and education planning differently from younger students. Your financial and family needs are unique—and you don’t have the same timeline of preparing and planning over 4 years of high school. There is no “one size fits all” process or timeline for adult learners. But there are some common steps you can take to help you succeed:

 A high school credential (GED or diploma) is a powerful tool for increasing career opportunities and is the first step in accessing some types of additional training. Your local EOC can help you with this important step, or you can directly contact a high school completion program. 

Ready to access these services and more?

Contact a VSAC EOC team member.

Looking for short term training to get into a career quickly? There are hundreds of options for getting quality training in a shorter time than a traditional college degree might take.  

Training Provider, Institution, School

Description

VT Adult Career & Technical Education17 regional centers whose mission is changing the lives of Vermonters by providing training to gain skills, improving career opportunities, and strengthening communities.
ApprenticeshipsVTC and VDOL partnership to manage the registered electrical and plumbing apprenticeship programs.
VTC's Continuing Ed and Workforce programs    Accessible, career-focused education for lifelong success.
Burlington Code AcademyCourses in coding and UX design
Advanced Welding InstituteHands-on training to become structural and pipe welders
Body Soul School & SpaMassage therapy school
Wellness Massage Center InstituteMassage therapy school
Balance Massage School of VermontMassage therapy school
Green Mountain Massage SchoolMassage therapy school
Laughing River YogaYoga training
Shiatsu School of VermontShiatsu training
O’Briens Aveda InstituteCosmetology, barbering, and esthetics
Northeast Driver Training LLCCDL
Precision Driver Training SchoolCDL
Pro Driver TrainingCDL
Giroux General TransportCDL
Center for Professional StudiesServes three distinct markets: (1) Adults who either haven't completed college or who have never attended higher education, (2) working professionals wanting to upgrade their skills, and (3) NVU students looking to earn industry-recognized credentials and their degree simultaneously.
CCV CredentialsCredentialing and training opportunities online and at locations around the state.
CCV Workforce    Workforce development
CCV ApprenticeshipsApprenticeships
University of VermontContinuing and online studies for certificates & degrees
VTSU Castleton University Cannabis Studies Certificate12-credit, interdisciplinary credential program
Champlain College Online Degrees and CertificatesEmphasis on real-world application and hands-on experiences.
Champlain College Teacher Apprenticeship Program8-month non-degree certificate program for teacher licensure for those with a bachelor's degree.
Yestermorrow Design/Build SchoolWoodworking, design/build, permaculture, and more.
Agency of EducationAn "alternate route to licensure" for those who haven't completed a traditional educator preparation program at a college or university. Vermont's alternate route is License by Evaluation or Peer Review. Every Peer Review candidate completes a portfolio, which is reviewed by experienced teachers culminating in an interview.
Vermont Works for WomenTraining program for women who want to go into construction.
Upper Valley Educators Institute 10-month loan program with seminars and coaches to earn teacher certification.
BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services)Practical nursing program in Fort Edward, NY.
McCann Technical SchoolPrograms in Cosmetology, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, and Practical Nursing; in North Adams, MA.
River Valley Community CollegeOffers in-state tuition to Vermonters who live within a 50-mile radius of Claremont, Keene, or Lebanon, NH.    

 

Learn about financial aid for short-term training >

Ready to access these services and more?

Contact a VSAC EOC team member.

Do you want or need to keep earning while you are learning?  Registered apprenticeships allow you to work while taking related classes, and your wages are increased on a set schedule as you complete the program requirements and earn a nationally portable credential.  

Many different careers can be started this way, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, manufacturing, ski lift operation, healthcare, pharmacy technician, and many more. The Vermont Department of Labor partners with Community College of Vermont to advance apprenticeships in Vermont, and employers may offer programs as well.  

Learn about financial aid for short-term training >

Ready to access apprenticeship options and next steps?

Contact a VSAC EOC team member.

A college degree can greatly increase your career options and lifetime income. Many college degrees can be completed part time and/or online, at a pace that makes sense for your life.  

College degrees include associate degrees (approximately 60 credits) or bachelor's degrees (approximately 120 credits). A degree contains both general education classes such as English, math, and humanities and classes in your major (the field you want to focus on). You can learn more using these resources: 

Learn about financial aid for college degrees >

Ready to access these services and more?

Contact a VSAC EOC team member.