Free college classes and trainings are now available to any Vermonter whose job was trimmed or eliminated because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Legislature approved using $2.3 million of federal money for the new Vermont State Colleges initiative, which was announced Friday at Gov. Phil Scott’s twice-weekly press conference.
“While this pandemic continues to be devastating for workers, particularly in the hospitality sector, this program could help thousands gain the skills they need for new careers, filling the many jobs we had available well before the pandemic,” Scott said.
More than 100 courses are being offered across the four schools — Community College of Vermont, Castleton University, Vermont Technical College, and Northern Vermont University campuses in Lyndon and Johnson.
“If you or someone in your household has been laid off or furloughed, had your hours cut, or you’ve been employed in an industry that has been impacted by the pandemic, you’re eligible for these free classes and trainings,” said Joyce Judy, president of the Community College of Vermont.
The classes focus on high-demand careers, such as early childhood education, health care, manufacturing and business.
In addition to providing free tuition, the initiative comes with funding to pay for support services that Vermonters might need to take advantage of the program, such as computers, child care, or transportation.
“So if you’ve had your hours reduced, you’ve been laid off from your job, your job no longer exists, you’re self-employed and you’ve experienced financial losses, or you’ve been impacted by your daycare closing, this opportunity is for you,” Judy said.
But, she warned, time is of the essence. The federal CARES Act money runs out at the end of the year, so the classes must be taken this fall, meaning there are only a few more weeks to sign up.
“To those of you who have been struggling to find your bearings during this pandemic, the good news is that this is a free opportunity that can help you gain new skills, change your career, boost your resume, and prepare yourself for the next job,” Judy said.
Interested Vermonters can click here to learn more.
