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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:
- Review our adult student handbook. This handbook offers a step-by-step guide for adults thinking of a career change or going back to school for more education. Download the handbook (PDF)
- Schedule an appointment with a VSAC EOC counselor in your region. Your counselor can help with career and college planning and financial aid applications. Get tips for scheduling your appointment >
- Investigate careers that interest you.
- Reflect on who you are and what experiences you’ve had.
- Take career assessments to help you identify your interests, skills, values, and personality traits. Get tips for finding a career that fits your skills, interests, and personality or use use My Next Move's online assessment tool to explore the connections between your interests and careers.
- Research careers that interest you:
- Speak to someone doing the work you’re interested in learning more about.
- Research the education or training you need to do the work you’d like to pursue.
- As you explore career options, find a way that works for you to keep track of resources, questions, and the contacts you need for planning next steps. Our adult career action plan checklist can help you stay on track. Download the plan (PDF) >
- Explore education options, VSAC EOC can help. Whether you’re considering a college degree, a short-term skills training program, a diploma, or a GED, EOC has information about programs and funding. Click on the tabs below for details.
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.
- Community High School of Vermont with campuses throughout Vermont — dedicated to helping adult learners develop personalized learning plans
- Vermont Adult Learning — a GED program and other learning opportunities for adults at locations throughout Vermont
- Central Vermont Adult Basic Education — free literacy instruction for adults and out-of-school youth in Central Vermont
- Northeast Kingdom Learning Services — a GED program and other learning opportunities for Vermonters in the Northeast Kingdom
- The Tutorial Center — a GED program and other learning opportunities for Vermonters in Bennington and Manchester
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 |
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17 regional centers whose mission is changing the lives of Vermonters by providing training to gain skills, improving career opportunities, and strengthening communities. |
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VTC and VDOL partnership to manage the registered electrical and plumbing apprenticeship programs. |
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Accessible, career-focused education for lifelong success. |
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Courses in coding and UX design |
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Hands-on training to become structural and pipe welders |
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Massage therapy school |
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Massage therapy school |
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Massage therapy school |
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Massage therapy school |
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Yoga training |
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Shiatsu training |
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Cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics |
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CDL |
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CDL |
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CDL |
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CDL |
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Serves 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. |
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Credentialing and training opportunities online and at locations around the state. |
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Workforce development |
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Apprenticeships |
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Continuing and online studies for certificates & degrees |
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12-credit, interdisciplinary credential program |
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Emphasis on real-world application and hands-on experiences. |
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8-month non-degree certificate program for teacher licensure for those with a bachelor's degree. |
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Woodworking, design/build, permaculture, and more. |
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An "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. |
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Training program for women who want to go into construction. |
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10-month internship with seminars and coaches to earn teacher certification. |
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Practical nursing program in Fort Edward, NY. |
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Programs in Cosmetology, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, and Practical Nursing; in North Adams, MA. |
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Offers in-state tuition to Vermonters who live within a 50-mile radius of Claremont, Keene, or Lebanon, NH. |
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.
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:
Ready to access these services and more?
Contact a VSAC EOC team member.