Center for Workforce & Professional Education 

Two men shake hands next to a podium.

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. 

Learn about CWPE Initiatives or contact us at CWPE@VermontState.edu to design a program that meets your individual business needs. 

Our Initiatives

Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships

VTSU works with companies to help meet their workforce needs through Advanced Manufacturing Apprentice Programs. These company-sponsored professional education programs help to develop the knowledge base and hands-on skills of incumbent and entry-level workers.   

To create these programs, our faculty work with representatives from your human resources, engineering, and operations departments to design a curriculum that meets your workforce needs. Courses are taught by VTSU faculty and take place onsite at your location or at a nearby VTSU campus.  

We are currently working in counties throughout the state, including Addison, Windham, Windsor, and Chittenden. You can learn more about our Apprenticeships Program at Global Foundries.

Contact: Carrie Wright
Carrie.Wright@VermontState.edu 802.728.1305 

Online Training for Career Growth 

VTSU partners with Cengage Learning, a respected leader in online education, to provide flexible learning opportunities that range in length from 6 weeks to 36 weeks.  

Gain in-demand skills in training that fits with your schedule as you earn industry-recognized certifications that help set you apart in the job market. (These trainings lead to stackable credentials, but not college credit.) 

Segal AmeriCorps Education and VSAC Advancement awards can often help pay for these trainings. Contact CWPEOnline@VermontState.edu or 802.698.3331 with questions or to register.

Contact: Shanti McKenna
Shanti.McKenna@VermontState.edu 

Customized Business & Leadership Trainings  

Through our Business & Leadership Trainings, CWPE staff work with businesses and organizations of all sizes to strengthen teams and develop leaders through hands-on, customized trainings.  

Our Clients: From large federal agencies and emergency management organizations to international corporations, state and local municipalities, schools, insurance companies, small non-profits, and more, CWPE staff tailor trainings to meet your needs. 

Our Trainings: Leadership development, conflict management, team development, customer service skills, presentation skills, listening skills — we work with you to put together the right mix of instruction for your organization. 

With CWPE as your partner, you’ll gain confidence to effectively lead and support today’s rapidly changing, multi-generational workforce. Contact us for a free consultation, client references, and insight into how we can help you.  

Contact: Dianne Percy Dianne.Percy@VermontState.edu 802.236.9161 

Registered Apprenticeships in Electrical and Plumbing

A registered apprenticeship is an industry driven, high-quality career pathway that helps employers develop and prepare their future workforce, and helps individuals obtain paid work experience, classroom instruction, and a portable nationally recognized credential. 

Since 1999, Vermont State University (formerly Vermont Technical College) has partnered with the Vermont Department of Labor to manage the related instruction component of the Registered Electrical & Plumbing Apprenticeship programs. Through these programs, students meet the classroom requirement to sit for the Vermont State Journeyman Licensure Exam.  

Apprentices also participate in OSHA 10 training once during their apprenticeship term at no cost to the apprentice.  

Vermont State also offers Exam Prep and Code Update training throughout the year to support former apprentices and employer sponsors. 

VTSU will work with apprentices, community members, employer sponsors, and the Vermont Department of Labor staff to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the trades.

Contact: VTSUELPL@VermontState.edu, 802.661.8493. 

The Testing Center at VTSU Lyndon  

The Testing Center administers computer-based, industry-certified exams available to the public by appointment only. With convenient hours to accommodate your busy schedule, you can fit in the testing you need to get ahead. 

Our Facility 

  • Located on the second floor of the Samuel Reed Library on the VTSU Lyndon campus, the Test Center can accommodate 12 test-takers at a time. 
  • Complimentary lockable 12” x 12” lockers are provided for all personal items not allowed in the test center. 
  • A comfortable and quiet waiting area is available as you await check-in for your exam. 

Services 
We partner with globally recognized test vendors including Praxis, Centiport, Pearson Vue, PAN Testing and PROV. We provide you with convenient, local access to professional credentialing exams.  

Contact: Colleen Geddis Colleen.Geddis@VermontState.edu 802.626.6529 

Engineering Bridge Program  

Coming Spring 2025 – Introduction to Everything Engineering course. This course introduces you to several different engineering fields: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Architectural, Environmental and Electromechanical.  The course has an integrated math component and is offered 2/3 online and 1/3 in-person for highly engaging interactive labs on the Randolph campus. 

Contact: Jeremy Wheeler
Jeremy.Wheeler@VermontState.edu 

Meet Our Team:

Program Manager

  • Randolph Campus

Darcy smiles at the camera in a colorful floral shirt.

Program Manager, VTSU EPSCoR

  • Williston Campus

Test Center Administrator

  • Lyndon Campus

Zachary Johnston in black shirt smiles at the camera.

Project Coordinator, Apprenticeship Programs

  • Randolph Campus

John LaFreniere in black jacket with a building in the background.

Outreach Coordinator – Maintenance Apprenticeships

  • Williston Campus

Shanti McKenna smiles at the camera wearing a black cardigan and purple shirt. With a rockwall in the background.

Project Manager

  • Castleton Campus

Woman in a black top and grey jacket smiles at the camera with a art gallery in the background.

Executive Director

  • Randolph Campus

Education Training Manager

  • Williston Campus

Woman smiles at the camera in a black shirt.

Project Coordinator, Apprenticeship Programs

VCAP Program Manager

  • Williston Campus

Educational Outreach Coordinator

  • Williston Campus

Business Manager

  • Remote

Contact Us