Pursue a career in skilled trades — tuition free
A program for training and certification in select high-demand sectors
Are you looking for a career that's hands-on, rewarding, and in high demand? The trades offer a unique opportunity to build skills that last a lifetime.
Whether you're interested in construction, electrical work, plumbing, energy efficiency, emergency services, and more, this program can help you get the training you need to get on a path to a stable, well-paying job. With many job sectors facing a shortage of skilled workers, your skills will be in high demand.
Some popular and qualifying trades are:
- Construction
- Environmental HVAC Technician
- Plumbing
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Energy Efficiency Specialist
- Solar Panel Installer
- Robotics
Vermont Trades Tuition Benefit Program
Funded by the Vermont Legislature, the Vermont Trades Tuition Benefit Program covers up to full tuition, initial licensing fees and exam fees for qualified students enrolled in an industry-recognized training and certification program that leads to a career in select high-demand trades sectors.
Funding for this workforce development program is limited and is awarded to qualifying students with financial need on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are awarded.
Awards are forgiven when you sign an agreement and fulfill the following work obligation following licensure or certification completion:
- Agree to work full-time in Vermont in your profession for a minimum of one year for each year of funding received
Note: Vermont residency is not required but preference will be given to students enrolled in a Vermont-based training program.
Vermont Trades Tuition Benefit Program FAQ
- Who is eligible?
Students who are:
- Vermont or non-Vermont residents who plan to work in Vermont in their profession after completion of their training program
- Able to demonstrate financial need
- Enrolled in industry-recognized training and certification program that leads to initial employment or career advancement in:
- building, mechanical, industrial or medical trade emergency services, including paramedics
- energy, including clean energy, energy efficiency, or weatherization
- transportation, including clean transportation
- broadband
- robotics
- Select other high demand sectors
- Enrolled in certificate or non-degree program
- Unemployed must register with the Vermont Department of Labor for the purpose of receiving relevant job referrals
Note: Preference will be given to students enrolled in a Vermont-based training program.
- How much is the award?
The award covers full tuition (excluding fees, books, and supplies) up to $23,000. The amount disbursed will be your actual tuition changes, as verified by your school, at the time of disbursement, up to your award amount. This means the amount disbursed to your school may be lower than your award amount. This award can be used to pay for your tuition, initial licensing fees, and exam fees.
- What period does this cover?
Funding awarded will be applied towards the costs of programs you attend during the 2026-2027 academic year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027).
- When should I apply?
Funding is limited and not guaranteed. The postmark deadline was February 11, 2026, to submit the Unified Scholarship Application (USA) and all required documents. Awards are determined on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as the funding is available. Those who apply by the postmark deadline will be considered first, in the order applications were received. For more information on eligibility and required documents, review the Scholarships & Forgivable Loans for Vermonters booklet.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded.
- How do I apply?
- For detailed information about this tuition benefit program and the application process, review the Scholarships & Forgivable Loans for Vermonters booklet.
- Complete the Unified Scholarship Application online through your MyVSAC account, click on "Work with Scholarships & Tuition Benefit Programs", look for “Submit Application” and “Unified Scholarship Application (USA)” and follow the instructions.
- Provide family income information as specified in the application instructions.
- If you're selected to receive funding by the selection committee, you must sign an agreement. The agreement will be sent to you along with your award notification and will outline the conditions and specific work obligations of the program. The benefit will be forgiven when the work obligation is met:
- Agree to work full-time in your profession in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure or certification completion for each year of funding received.
- How will I know the status of my application?
Log into your MyVSAC account and click on "Work with Scholarships & Tuition Benefit Programs" to check the status of your application.
- If I'm unemployed, why do I have to register with the Vermont Department of Labor?
In addition to funding for tuition, exams, and licensing, you also qualify for additional help from the State of Vermont. A career counselor from the Department of Labor will help you with job search and placement with an employer upon completing your training program. If you don't have a Vermont Job Link account, someone from the Vermont Department of Labor will reach out to you to get started.
- What is a tuition benefit program?
The State of Vermont offers several tuition benefit programs to encourage students to enter Vermont's workforce in specific high-demand fields. These unique benefits:
- Are typically interest-free (the Tuition Benefit Agreement will provide the interest rate, if applicable)
- If awarded, require you to
- sign an agreement committing to specific work obligations when they accept the funding
- complete annual verification with the VSAC Scholarship Program each year
- Do not require payment while the student is enrolled in the applicable program
- Are “forgiven” — which means that the tuition benefit does not have to be paid back — when the student meets the work obligations outlined in the agreement they signed
- Must be repaid if the student doesn't meet the conditions of the Tuition Benefit Agreement – including, but not limited to: not completing the program, not receiving their license, or not working in their field of study in Vermont following licensure
For example: Mary received $16,000 in a Vermont Trades Tuition Benefit Program to pursue a welding certification at Advanced Welding Institute. Upon completion of the program and receiving her certification, Mary began working as a welder in Vermont. One year later her employment was verified, and the benefit was forgiven.
- Is other education funding available?
Vermont residents may also qualify for the Advancement Grant or the Vermont Grant.
Additional questions?
If you have additional questions about your application or status, Contact VSAC or call 888-253-4819.