Workforce Training & Education Resources

Center for Women & Enterprise

The Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE) opened the Women’s Business Center in Vermont in 2016. Funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), CWE works with the SBA to deliver quality services to current and prospective women entrepreneurs. CWE offers business planning courses in Rutland County at no- or low-cost to the participants.

Department of Economic Development

The Vermont Department of Economic Development works to create and retain quality jobs and strengthen the competitiveness of Vermont’s business and the overall economy. It offers a variety of programs to assist existing and potential businesses such as training grants, assistance with government contracting, technical advice for international trade, and job growth incentives.

Department of Labor

At The Rutland Career Resource Center, the primary focus is to provide services that assist businesses, workers, and job seekers. The Department of Labor services are free for both employers and job seekers.

Vermont Manufacturing Extension Center

VMEC is a not-for-profit center created to provide assistance to Vermont’s small- and medium-sized manufacturers (under 500 employees). VMEC’s goal is to help your company improve its bottom line. VMEC provides one-on-one support and services. They help manufacturers solve problems, increase productivity, modernize processes and improve competitiveness with your production.

Vermont Small Business Development Center

The VtSBDC mission is to assist start-ups and strengthen existing business entities through high quality, no cost counseling and high quality, affordable training programs. Scholarship funds are available for several programs.

Vermont Training Program

The Vermont Training Program promotes industrial expansion and encourages the creation of jobs in manufacturing by providing training for new, relocating or expanding firms. Programs are individually designed and may include on-the-job, classroom, skill upgrade or other specialized training mutually agreed upon by the state and the employer.

Vermont Talent Pipeline Management

Vermont Talent Pipeline Management (VTPM) is an employer-led, data-driven process for filling the most critical jobs in the Vermont workforce. The TPM model was founded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USCCF) and is currently involved in a national rollout. Vermont has helped set the standard for the country as the first statewide implementation with employer collaboratives in 3 critical industries: Construction, Healthcare and Advanced Manufacturing.

Higher Education

Vermont State University logo

Vermont State University – Castleton

Vermont State University – Castleton, founded in 1787 is located in Castleton and offers associates, baccalaureate and masters degrees for Liberal Arts and Professional Studies.

Community College of Vermont

Rutland’s Community College of Vermont (CCV) campus is one of twelve sites in the state. CCV is a two-year institution providing occupational, degree, transfer and continuing education opportunities. An accredited member of the Vermont State College System, they offer day and evening classes.

Technical & Alternative Education

Stafford Technical Center

Stafford Technical Center is a public educational center teaching technical skills to students in grades 11-12 from the 10 regional high schools. It also provides an evening adult education program, an adult diploma program and specialized training programs for business and industry.

Vermont Adult Career & Technical Education Association

Vermont Adult Career & Technical Education Association (VACTEA) is an excellent resource for businesses, students, and individuals seeking high-quality, affordable adult technical education. These programs are taught in our 16 regional centers across the state of Vermont. Education and training opportunities include programs in health care, welding and machining, CDL and heavy equipment licensing, and information technology. For complete course listings in your area, please refer to the Training Centers, which will display all of the centers and their current course offerings.

Real Careers @ Rutland County

Real Careers is a new pilot program designed and administered by the Rutland Region Workforce Investment Board, in partnership with REDC, and funded by a grant from the Vermont Department of Labor. Real Careers is working with in-school and out-of-school young adults to help them create and implement a viable career plan that prepares them for one of the many well paying jobs in our region.

The MINT – Rutland’s Makerspace

At The MINT, you’ll have the tools you need to make your ideas reality. But more than that, you’ll connect with people who love making, solving problems and learning new things. The MINT is a learning community of people who make anything and everything.