University of Vermont Announces Free Career-Building Courses for Vermonters

By Press release submission

Jun 3, 2022

The University of Vermont issued the following announcement.

Thanks to a second year of funding from the state, Vermont residents seeking to build new skills to advance or change their career can take up to two free courses at the University of Vermont beginning this summer. The university’s Professional and Continuing Education (PACE) division will coordinate the courses, which focus on sectors that are growing faster than the workforce they need to thrive.

“Continuing this innovative partnership with the state is a priority for the university,” said UVM President Suresh Garimella. “Vermont businesses are looking for employees with knowledge and skills in healthcare, technology, and other areas of growth in the state. This year, Upskill will help hundreds more Vermonters move forward in their careers, at no cost to them or their employers.”

The free educational opportunities, including non-credit certificate programs and courses that earn college credit, will help Vermonters compete successfully in today’s job market. Last year, 453 Vermonters took courses or certificate programs through the Upskill Vermont Scholarship Program, including residents of Vermont’s 14 counties.

“Upskill is an outstanding opportunity for Vermonters eager to get started in the job market, enhance skills, or change careers entirely,” said PACE Chief Officer Jill Irvine. “Providing access in this way for all Vermonters to further their education in pursuit of their professional goals is imperative for the state’s economy. The commitment of the legislature and the governor to this program is key to this partnership and allows UVM to meet our mission more fully as a land grant institution.”

All Vermont residents, including those who took part in Upskill Vermont last year, can take up to two free courses between July 1 and December 31, 2022. Vermonters interested in taking a college credit course will need to pre-register to secure a UVM student ID. The application for credit courses and student ID is available online at upskillvermont.org.

Vermonters who want to complete an online professional certificate program can explore PACE’s offerings available now. More information is available by signing up to receive email updates, including when specific courses are open for registration. Registration is expected to open July 1, 2022.

Certificates are available in: