Courses
Choose from fields of study that will prepare you to be more competitive in today’s job market. Explore diverse courses and certificate programs designed to strengthen your skills and expand your career possibilities.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate, all applicants must be a Vermont resident, meet one of the following criteria and may not be enrolled full-time (more than 6 credits per semester) as an undergraduate or graduate student at a College or University:
- You are unemployed or underemployed
- You are seeking to transition to a job that provides better opportunities for economic advancement
- You have incomes at or below 300% of the federal poverty guidelines (FPG) by household size. (For audit purposes, UVM reserves the right to request additional information to verify income. Please refer to the table for federal poverty guidelines)
| Persons in family/household | Annual Household Income (300% of the federal poverty guidelines) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $40,770 |
| 2 | $54,930 |
| 3 | $69,090 |
| 4 | $83,250 |
| 5 | $97,410 |
| 6 | $111,570 |
| 7 | $125,730 |
| 8 | $139,890 |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $14,160 for each additional person | |
When you’re thriving at work, Vermont is thriving too.
Upskill Vermont is committed to providing easy-access pathways that support eligible Vermonters’ pursuit of a rewarding career. We believe that by developing Vermonters’ professional skills through education and training designed for the real world, we strengthen our state, our communities, and our families.
Trained Workers Wanted
24,000 workers have recently left the Vermont workforce.
Opportunity for the Taking
Vermont is #1 in the nation for job availability per person.
WHERE UPSKILL VERMONT COMES IN
Our mission: Keep Vermonters competitive — and happy — at work
Ready to take on a new role or pursue a career path you’ve always been curious about? Investing in advanced training can feel like a leap and a financial commitment. The Upskill Vermont Scholarship Program is here to support your goals with career guidance and advising support.
Courses Preview
Get the training and development you need to advance your career in fast-growing fields. Explore courses designed to strengthen core skills, whether you’re pursuing a fresh start on a new career path or aiming to deepen your expertise in your current role.
Use the links below to browse the selection of courses.
College Credit Programs (non-degree)
Featured Videos and Media
Meet UVM students who’ve transformed their careers through a combination of studying and strategizing — and learn how you can too.
Career Resources
Whether you are exploring changing career paths or changing employers, there are many free resources available to help you in your search.
Occupations
General Information
Several websites provide information on different occupations in a range of industries. Each of these can help you find out more about a career you may be interested in or may help you find your next career.
Do you want to find a career that matches your interests?
- When you choose a career that matches your overall interests, you’re more likely to enjoy your job. You’re also more likely to be successful.
- CareerOneStop’s interest assessment, offered by the US Dept of Labor, will ask you a series of questions about what you like and don’t like to do. Then will match your likes and dislikes to careers.
- Get started with your Interest Assessment.
Want to know what careers you can do with the skills you already have?
- Your skills describe what you like to do and what you are good at. Being able to identify and describe your skills allows you to answer key questions at job interviews such as “What can you do for my organization?” and “What problems can you solve?”
- In the workplace, there are two kinds of skills: technical skills, and soft skills. Both types are essential for success.The following resources, both sponsored by the US Dept of Labor, help you identify your skill strengths and match these to corresponding jobs:
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- Skills Matcher helps you identify your skills. Use it to create a list of your skills and match them to careers that use those skills.
- O*NET look up your strongest skills to see which occupations match them best.
Job Search
Job search engines are a great place to start to better understand what opportunities are out there and the skills employers are looking for. These are a few examples of the many job sites out there.
General Employment Jobsites
- Flexjobs: https://www.flexjobs.com/
- Indeed: http://www.indeed.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/
Vermont Employment Jobsites
- https://www.vermontjoblink.com/
- https://jobs.sevendaysvt.com/
- https://humanresources.vermont.gov/careers
- https://www.jobsinvt.com/
Community College of Vermont Links
Resources
Many articles and videos are available to help you improve or develop new skills employers are looking for or to better understand the changing career options in the market.
Ted Talks
- How to Know if it’s Time to Change Careers (4:16 min)
- The Best Career Path isn’t Always a Straight Line (9:19 min)
- 2 questions to uncover your passion — and turn it into a career (10:57 min)
- How to Get Back to Work After a Career Break (12:01 min)
- How to Find Your Passion and Make it Your Job (13:39)
Occupations
- 2nd Career Options That Pay off
- Career Change: Should I Stay or Should I Go?
- What Can You Do with a Master’s Degree?
- How to Become an Entry Level Actuary
- Carve Your Career Path: Upskill with UVM’s Data Analytics Certificate Program
- A Marketer Reimagines a New Career in Cheese
- Considering a Career Switch? Find Your Calling in a Craft Beer Career
- UVM Alumna Explores Her Interest in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Gains Practical Experience
Job Search
- 5 LinkedIn Fixes You Can Make in 10 Minutes or Less
- You Can Land Your Dream Job. Tips from a Recruiter and UVM Career Coach
- Top Digital Marketing Trends for 2022
- Looking Ahead to 2022: Craft Beer Industry Job Outlook
Skills
- 5 Steps to Utilize Your Leadership and Management Training
- 5 Tips to Improve Your Leadership Skills
- Nine Tips to Help You Prep for a Virtual Interview
- 10 Benefits of Career Coaching
- How to Effectively Build Your Network While Taking an Online Course
- 6 Time Management Tips for Work
- Become an Effective Change Maker to Impact Sustainability in Business
- How to Improve Communication Skills in a Digital World
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this scholarship program for?
This scholarship program is designed to provide career development and skills to eligible Vermont residents who are seeking education for professional growth and employment.
Who is eligible for the program?
This scholarship is for eligible Vermont residents who are looking to gain professional skills to help with a career path or job search. Eligible Vermont residents can take up to two (2) select courses for free (tuition only) in the scholarship award period. To be approved, follow the application and approval instructions.
Are current full time college undergraduate and graduate students eligible for Upskill?
No, current full-time undergraduate and graduate students are not eligible for Upskill Vermont scholarship funding. Part time undergraduate or graduate students taking fewer than 6 credits per semester are eligible to apply.
How do I register?
Registration opens on July 1, 2022. Browse the Upskill Vermont program/course(s) list and visit the program/course pages of interest to decide on the program/course(s) that are best for you. Beginning July 1, visit the program/course page(s) of your choosing. Click on the Upskill Vermont registration link and enter your information to register. That’s it!
Is there anything else I need to do to prepare for my program/course(s)?
Prior to starting the course, please refer to the program/course(s) page to identify any additional materials needed to complete the course. You will also receive instructions to access the optional orientation, which we highly encourage you to complete prior to starting your course.
How many registrations do I need to complete?
Two; you can take up to two courses. Each course will require a separate registration that are program specific. You are welcome to complete more than one application, but you will only be approved for a maximum of two (2) courses during the scholarship award period.
If I took advantage of 2 free courses for Upskill 2021, will I be eligible for 2 additional courses in 2022?
Yes! We are thrilled to offer Vermont residents an opportunity to take an additional 2 courses in 2022 even if they took advantage of the initial Upskill offerings in 2021.
What programs/courses(s) are eligible for Upskill?
The eligible programs/course(s) are listed here.
If I apply for a program/course(s) and am unable to start, can I use the scholarship for a future start date?
The scholarship is designed to be used for selected dates and program/course(s). Because there is limited availability of scholarship funds as well as course seats, it is not guaranteed that you will be able to move into another program.
Whom do I contact if I am unable to attend or complete my program/course(s)?
Due to the limited funds and available program/course(s) seats, we ask that you only apply if you are sure you can make the time to focus on the program/course(s). And – we understand that life happens. Please reach out to our Enrollment Coach team as soon as you realize you will not be able to complete the program/course(s).
Are Vermont high school students eligible for Upskill?
No, Vermont high school students are not eligible for Upskill Scholarships. However, please refer to the Vermont Dual Enrollment page to learn how Vermont high school students can take up to two tuition-free college courses. Tuition is fully reimbursed through a voucher system approved by their high schools.
Do I have to pay for additional books or fees related to the class if I received an Upskill scholarship?
Yes, you will need to purchase or provide any additional resources or tools that are not part of the program/course(s) fee. Refer to your program/course(s) page for any additional materials or fees that you will need.
What should I do if I have concerns about successfully completing the program/course(s) prior to registration?
The scholarship is intended to assist students in program/course(s) completion. With the limited amount of funds available for students, we ask that you strongly consider your commitment to completing the course of study. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with an Enrollment Coach if they have concerns or issues about starting or completing the program/course(s). You can reach the Enrollment Coach team at learn@uvm.edu.
What People are Saying
I chose this class because it was hands-on and encouraged collaboration and feedback from the get-go – and promised to get me out of the insular world of being in-house at a non-profit. Every week, my confidence grew in my ability to provide and give feedback and I was exposed to resources that left staff at work impressed with my new digital knowledge. As a bonus, I also got to test ideas for products in development, which strengthened my project management skills. One of the greatest professional development investments I’ve participated in.
Alice Christman, Digital Marketing Fundamentals Professional Certificate GraduateThis program far exceeded my expectations. The content was comprehensive and well organized. The format and assignments were highly experiential and gave opportunities for practice of Doula skills. The instructor modeled Doula work and created a community of learners who companioned each other throughout. Highly recommend this program.
Judith D., RN, Hospice Volunteer, End-of-Life Doula Graduate