Division of Professional Development & Continuing Education

Two men and a woman sitting around a table in a conference room looking at a laptop.

Vermont State University’s Division of Professional Development & Continuing Education (DPDCE) is the university’s hub of connectivity, with a focus on access, flexibility, quality, and hands-on learning.

  • Workforce training for learners of all ages — to prepare for new careers in in-demand fields and to upskill and reskill to be competitive in the workplace
  • Economic development throughout Vermont — across industries and throughout schools and organizations
  • Innovative workplace opportunities for students — apprenticeships, applied learning, entrepreneurial ventures, and more

Vermont State’s DPDCE Division Includes Two Centers

Innovative Training to Thrive in Today’s Dynamic Work Environments 

The Center for Workforce & Professional Education (CWPE) harnesses the capacities of Vermont State University (VTSU) to meet the needs of employers and the workforce, empowering individuals and organizations with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in today’s dynamic and competitive work environment.  

To do so, CWPE offers focused, hands-on, applied learning taught by instructors who are experts in their field. We bring this style of education and consultation to a wide range of professions and professionals to drive personal, organizational, and professional growth. 

Our initiatives include advanced manufacturing apprenticeships, online career growth opportunities, custom business and leadership trainings, registered electrical & plumbing apprenticeship programs, and our certified testing center

Registered Apprenticeship Programs

With the goal of increasing the licensed workforce in skill-based professions, programs include:

  • Non-credit instruction to meet the apprenticeship standards for USDOL/VTDOL
  • Management of registration and hours tracking for apprenticeship completion
  • Proctoring licensure tests for apprentices who complete the program
  • Support to VTDOL to strengthen employer-apprentice-customer relationships

Tailored Development for New and Experienced Farmers and Ag-Entrepreneurs

With the goal of developing the workforce to spur innovation in this sector, fill job vacancies, and prepare the next generation of farmers and ag-entrepreneurs, CAFFE offers new ag-specific training programs and internships and encourage entrepreneurial ventures.

This includes coursework and certifications in subjects like sawmill operations, butchery arts, cattle management, soil health, and more. Many courses are offered in flexible formats that include hands-on intensives that allow you to learn the concepts through online lectures before getting real-world experience at the VTSU Randolph campus.