Outdoor employers know that talent is one of their biggest assets and the outdoor industry is working with education and service providers on supporting recruitment, training, retention, seasonality, and inclusion. 

In the 2024 Vermont outdoor business survey, 65% of respondents reported planning to hire 1-5 new employees in the next 12 months. Employers reported workforce education and professional development training programs such as internships & apprenticeships, adult education programs, and career development programs for underserved communities. Businesses validated the link between professional development and increased employee engagement, consistent work processes, and reduced skill gaps.

VOBA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

VOBA Climate and Trades Outdoor Workforce Program expands training that targets skills needed for high demand, highly skilled, and high paying outdoor jobs in Vermont. Specifically: 

  • Technical service occupations including but not limited to ski technicians, bicycle mechanics, and guided instruction. 

  • Climate, sustainability, circularity and stewardship jobs in gear and apparel manufacturing, trail construction, and outdoor facilities.

VOBA Professional Development for Technical Trades: Bicycle Mechanics, Trail Workers and Snow Sports Technicians

  • Five 5-module, 10-hour trainings providing overview of bicycle mechanic fundamentals and two advanced level trainings covering assembly, repair, maintenance, wheel building, and suspension combining instruction from experienced Vermont bicycle shop mechanics with hands-on practice.

  • Five 2-day trainings providing an overview of trail construction and maintenance and two advanced level trainings focused on water hydrology, sustainable natural surface trails, chainsaw safety, and rock work combining instruction from experienced Vermont trail builders with hands-on practice.

  • Two 4-session, 8-hour trainings providing overview of alpine ski and snowboard tuning for retail and rental service involving terminology, theory, safety, and general practices utilized for both machinery and hand-tuning.

  • Grant funded by the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) and Economic Development Authority - Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation through the Vermont Department of Tourism and Marketing.

EDUCATION RESOURCES

Vermont residents can take up to two professional development courses for free at the University of Vermont with the Upskill Vermont Scholarship. Funds may be applied to non-credit courses if already enrolled or apply to new courses. VSAC’s Vermont Trades Scholarship Program uses funds allocated during the last legislative session to technical occupations within the outdoor sector.

Lyndon Institute’s outdoor recreation program includes Project Bike Tech, which provides students with a Level I bike technician certification, desirable because of Vermont's mountain biking, and road and gravel biking opportunities. The program also includes outdoor living, trip planning and leadership and is anticipated to include an introduction to ski technician skills and wilderness first aid.

Sterling College prepares for careers in public or private education, environmental advocacy, adventure programming, and nature-based education.

The new Vermont Trades Scholarship Forgivable Loan Program administered by the Vermont Student Assistance Corp. (VSAC) provides an interest-free forgivable loan that covers up to full tuition for qualified recipients (Vermont residents or non-residents) enrolled in industry-recognized training and certification programs that lead to a career in select building, mechanical, industrial or medical trades; emergency services; energy; transportation; and other high-demand sectors. Eligible expenses include 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 program is part of the $84.5 million comprehensive workforce and economic development initiative passed last legislative session. Find application details and information about other grants for Vermont residents such as the Advancement Grant or the Vermont Grant.

The Vermont Training Program provides performance-based workforce grants for pre-employment training, training for new hires, and training for incumbent workers. Training can either be on-site or offered through an outside provider and grants may cover up to 50% of the training cost.

Vermont Works for Women’s Trailblazers classes prepare participants for jobs in specific sectors, by providing networking with employers and female-identifying mentors, job search support, building projects in the community, and facilitating internships with local employers.

HIRING RESOURCES

Working Fields is a local mission-driven staffing agency that specializes in connecting employers with Vermont's 21,000 hidden workers. The agency matches jobseekers with employer clients to fill open roles, then provides individualized peer support throughout their employment. A core goal is to build careers and to cover all recruitment, insurance, and conversion costs.

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