����̽̽

����̽̽ (����̽̽) and the Vermont National Guard (VTNG) have joined forces to support Vermont’s workforce development and drive statewide economic growth.

This exciting new partnership between ����̽̽’s Professional and Continuing Education division (PACE) and VTNG’s Partnered Recruiting Initiative for Military and Employers program (PRIME) aims to help offset Vermont’s workforce labor shortage. The partnership includes goals to upskill current Vermont Guard members and family members through PACE professional development programs as they maintain their civilian career pathways, as well as provide connections to Vermont employers for prospective recruits just entering Guard service and pursuing full-time employment following graduation.

PACE and PRIME are partnering to drive Vermont workforce development and career advancement, creating impactful opportunities for both Vermont employers and Guard members. Together, we are forging new and collaborative workforce solutions and fostering economic growth across all 14 Vermont counties in support of ����̽̽’s land-grant mission.  

This impactful partnership between PACE and PRIME represents a significant step forward in workforce development for Vermont.

“At its core, the PRIME program combines the recruiting efforts of the Vermont National Guard and participating Vermont employers. The goal is to support Guard members and their families to continue to serve with the National Guard while pursuing impactful civilian careers simultaneously in high-demand industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, construction, transportation, and more.”

Scott Detweiler, Director, Wellness, Readiness, and Prevention (WRAP, J-9), VTNG

With supportive funding programs like ����̽̽ Promise, the Green Mountain Jobs Retention Program, and the Vermont Training Program, PACE aligns perfectly with this mission through ����̽̽’s land-grant commitment to education and economic development. This partnership provides educational access and professional development opportunities that benefit both individuals and businesses.

“By bridging the gap between workforce development and career advancement, PACE and PRIME are working together to deliver meaningful opportunities for both employers and Guard members, driving growth and support across Vermont. PACE supports Guard members as they advance professionally while addressing statewide labor shortages by facilitating connections between Guard members and employers across the state.”

Maureen Hebert, ����̽̽ PACE, Director, Employer Partnerships

How PACE Supports the PRIME Program

����̽̽’s PACE division will play an impactful new role in amplifying the PRIME program, and offering tailored support and resources to Vermont National Guard members and family members at every stage of their educational and professional journeys.

“PACE is actively matching PRIME with employers and developing programs to upskill and train Guard members and family members, designed to support career pathways and foster professional development within the civilian workforce. High-demand fields include construction, engineering, manufacturing, transportation, and technology, as well as alternate pathways to degrees.”

Chris Carrigan, ����̽̽ PACE, Strategic Partnerships

By understanding and addressing the current and future training needs for employers and their employees, PACE aims to close the skills gap and contribute to solving Vermont’s significant workforce labor shortage—ultimately strengthening both individual career growth and the state’s economy. 

Upskilling and Training

PACE offers professional development programs tailored to Vermont’s industries; including manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, sustainability, non-profit organizations, and beyond. These programs address current skills gaps while preparing participants for the demands of the modern workforce, ranging from data analytics, finance, leadership, operations, supply chain, and project management.

Employer Connectivity

With programs like the Green Mountain Work & Learn Program, PACE builds bridges between Vermont employers and Guard members without a college plan, enabling meaningful trusted connections and long-term professional growth.

Tuition Assistance for Guard Members

The Vermont National Guard provides full reimbursement to eligible members through the VTNG Tuition Benefit program, making advanced education and certificate programs more attainable. This is in addition to VSAC Advancement Grants and ����̽̽’s alternate pathways to degrees.

Accessible and Practical Resources

From online courses to in-person workshops, PACE ensures Guard members and their families have access to flexible learning formats that adhere to their busy schedules. Through collaborations with ����̽̽’s various colleges and schools and professional development opportunities with industry experts and practitioners, PACE offers courses and programs that meet the demands of today’s busy lifestyles and evolving industries.

Who Benefits From This Partnership

The ����̽̽ PACE and VTNG PRIME partnership is not just about transforming individual career outcomes—it’s about creating a ripple effect that strengthens Vermont’s economy, communities, and quality of life. By leveraging ����̽̽’s expertise in higher education with the Vermont National Guard’s commitment to service and opportunity, this partnership is serving all of Vermont, including rural communities, and opening doors for a stronger, more prosperous Vermont.

VERMONT GUARD MEMBERS AND FAMILIES

Guard members and their families gain access to tailored educational resources, robust training programs, and employer contacts and networks through trusted referrals and introductions. These tools help them achieve their career aspirations while supporting their personal growth.

VERMONT EMPLOYERS

Employers across Vermont will connect with an underutilized and highly talented segment of the workforce through PACE and PRIME. From reducing training costs to accessing proven development programs that upskill employees, Vermont employers are better positioned to thrive in competitive markets.

VERMONT’S ECONOMY

A robust workforce drives economic prosperity. By preparing highly qualified professionals to meet Vermont’s labor demands, this partnership directly contributes to the state’s growth, bridges the skills gap, matches employers with much needed workforce, and drives economic growth and stability across all 14 counties.

THE VERMONT NATIONAL GUARD

The success of this partnership amplifies the recruitment and retention efforts of the VTNG, ensuring that Guard members have fulfilling career pathways beyond their military service.

UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

Supporting the state of Vermont through ����̽̽’s land-grant mission. Strategic partnership programs like PRIME demonstrate how ����̽̽ can extend its expertise beyond traditional classrooms, creating practical and locally impactful solutions for workforce development. The availability of online and low-residency formats further ensures that learners in rural areas have the flexibility to balance personal, professional, and educational commitments, enabling them to thrive no matter where they live.