Trades training scholarship

VERMONT - The new Vermont Trades Scholarship Forgivable Loan program, proposed by Gov. Scott to the Vermont Legislature and administered by Vermont Student Assistance Corp., will offer Vermont and non-Vermont residents funding for tuition, initial licensing fees, and exam fees for qualified recipients who enroll in high-need trades training and certificate programs.
Funding for the $3 million trades scholarship program is part of the $84.5 million comprehensive workforce and economic development initiative signed into law in June by Gov. Scott. The bill invests both state and federal American Rescue Plan Act funding to address Vermont’s workforce shortage and provide local businesses and municipalities with resources to grow in the years ahead.
The new program, open to Vermont and non-Vermont residents, will help meet the acute need for more trained workers in Vermont in select building, mechanical, industrial or medical trades; emergency services; energy, including clean energy, energy efficiency or weatherization; transportation; broadband; robotics; and other high-demand sectors.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded. Programs beginning after Thursday, September 1, are eligible.
The funding will be awarded to qualifying applicants with financial needs on a first come, first served basis until all funds have been depleted. Applicants must register with the Vermont Department of Labor for the purpose of receiving relevant job referrals if unemployed.
Awards are in the form of an interest-free loan, which is forgiven when the recipient signs a promissory note and completes working in their profession in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure or certification completion for each year of funding received.
For details on how to apply visit www.vsac.org/workforce-development-funding or call (888) 253-4819.