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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:

 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 Education

17 regional centers whose mission is changing the lives of Vermonters by providing training to gain skills, improving career opportunities, and strengthening communities.

Apprenticeships

VTC 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 Academy

Courses in coding and UX design

Advanced Welding Institute

Hands-on training to become structural and pipe welders

Body Soul School & Spa

Massage therapy school

Wellness Massage Center Institute

Massage therapy school

Balance Massage School of Vermont

Massage therapy school

Green Mountain Massage School

Massage therapy school

Laughing River Yoga

Yoga training

Shiatsu School of Vermont

Shiatsu training

O’Briens Aveda Institute

Cosmetology, barbering, and esthetics

Northeast Driver Training LLC

CDL

Precision Driver Training School

CDL

Pro Driver Training

CDL

Giroux General Transport

CDL

Center for Professional Studies

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.

CCV Credentials

Credentialing and training opportunities online and at locations around the state.

CCV Workforce    

Workforce development

CCV Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

University of Vermont

Continuing and online studies for certificates & degrees

VTSU Castleton University Cannabis Studies Certificate

12-credit, interdisciplinary credential program

Champlain College Online Degrees and Certificates

Emphasis on real-world application and hands-on experiences.

Champlain College Teacher Apprenticeship Program

8-month non-degree certificate program for teacher licensure for those with a bachelor's degree.

Yestermorrow Design/Build School

Woodworking, design/build, permaculture, and more.

Agency of Education

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.

Vermont Works for Women

Training program for women who want to go into construction.

Upper Valley Educators Institute 

10-month internship with seminars and coaches to earn teacher certification.

BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services)

Practical nursing program in Fort Edward, NY.

McCann Technical School

Programs in Cosmetology, Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting, Surgical Technology, and Practical Nursing; in North Adams, MA.

River Valley Community College

Offers 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.