Adults, gain new skills at Vermont’s Career Technical Education centers

Wondering how you can break into, or explore a new path in Vermont’s workforce as an adult? A Career Technical Education (CTE) course may be the answer. Every year almost 2,000 Vermonters choose an adult CTE class to help advance their career.

Through these programs, students gain career focused skills. Most classes have under 10 participants, which allows for more individual instruction. Although CTE programs for high schoolers may be more well known, there are opportunities for adults of all ages. Moreover, many CTE programs in Vermont allow you to earn a short-term credential that can lead to a high pay, high demand job.

Why CTE? 

There are three reasons why choosing a CTE education may work for adults:

• Speed. If you’re looking to join the workforce soon, CTE programs offer shorter and more flexible timelines than other education options. 
• Hands-on experience. Students in CTE complete practical and hands-on learning so they are ready to jump into their chosen field. 
• Affordability. The cost of a short-term credential program, such as those that lead to a certificate or licensure, is much less than a college degree. There are also many sources for financial aid and scholarships.

Finding your CTE course

With 17 centers across Vermont, CTE programs are readily available to Vermonters who are interested.

A great place to start is by looking at CTE programs that are specifically intended for adults. The time commitment and class hours can vary for adult programs, although these courses generally take less time to complete and offer more convenience with scheduling. Adult classes could look like anything from one week of day classes, to one night of instruction each week, to an online or hybrid course. 

In some cases, adults are able to enroll in daytime CTE programs alongside high schoolers. Adult students who do not have a high school diploma can get their tuition for these programs covered by the State of Vermont. If daytime instruction seems like the right choice for you, start by contacting the technical center.

Earn valuable credentials in high growth industries

Vermont’s CTE centers offer courses in eight areas, including Agriculture and Natural Resources, Computer and Office Technology, Culinary Arts, Health Sciences, Manufacturing, Professional Skills, Skilled Trades, and Transportation and Heavy Equipment. Many of the high pay, high demand jobs in these industries require specific credentials than you can earn through a CTE program.

For example, in 2022, 32% of the nurse assistants that were licensed in Vermont trained at a CTE center. To become a nurse assistant you must complete 80 hours of training at an approved program and pass a licensing test. With 3,380 job openings in the next 10 years in many different types of facilities, becoming a nurse assistant gives you options. It’s also a great first step toward becoming a registered nurse. 

If you’re interested in the medical field but not keen on becoming a nurse, consider Certified Clinical Medical Assisting. Medical Assistants perform important administrative and clinical duties, and often interact with patients. Medical Assistants are in high demand, with 973 anticipated open positions in Vermont over the next 10 years. There are two CTE centers in Vermont that offer training and certification, although it is expected that more centers will begin to offer these courses as well. 

You can also dive into a different industry, such as Transportation and Heavy Equipment, and earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) at four different centers around Vermont. A CDL allows you to drive different types of vehicles depending on which type of license you chose. Earning your CDL will open doorways to many different jobs including heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, a high pay, high demand career that will have 3,820 job opportunities in Vermont over the next 10 years.

Paying for CTE programs and next steps

Tuition should never be a barrier to someone’s education. There are financial assistance options that Vermonters can access to help fund their technical education. Many people qualify for some type of financial aid, so it’s best to do your research or contact your local technical center before letting program costs discourage you from accessing your education.

Next steps:

• Read up on the different types of financial aid so you know what you’re looking for.
• Consider applying for the Vermont Advancement Grant. This grant was specifically created for Vermonters who are enrolled in a non degree program that will advance their skills
• Explore VSAC’s list of workforce development financial aid opportunities. 

Contact the financial aid professionals at VSAC with any other questions!