Vermont Tech’s Apprenticeship Program Sets an Example

With workforce shortages across the nation, the Vermont State Colleges System is working to provide more apprenticeships to students.

Vermont Technical College is just one school in the state with programs placing students in apprenticeships.

The school said with current workforce shortages, these programs are getting even more popular.

“The old adage was ‘go to college to get a good job’ and that just has not been providing enough workers for these manufacturers,” said Dr. Jeffrey Higgins, a professor at Vermont Tech.

Higgins said companies like GE Aviation have had to flip the narrative.

“Now it’s ‘get a good job to go to college!” Higgins said. “So, they’re being hired by the companies, working full time, filling an immediate need, but then they’re being educated to become leaders inside that company.”

This year, Vermont Tech had over 40 students graduate from GE Aviation’s Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Programs.

“The biggest benefit about apprenticeship is that you learn and earn at the same time,” said Patricia Moulton, executive director of Vermont State Colleges System’s workforce development division.

Moulton said the Vermont State Colleges System is trying to add even more apprenticeship programs across the state.

“They’re not just sitting in class,” Moulton said. “They’re taking what they are learning in lecture and then applying it in the lab immediately, within the same day or the next day. So, they get that context of why algebra matters, why calculus matters, those types of things.”

This dual education and experience benefit is particularly useful at the end of Vermont Tech’s program.

“Their capstone project in the program must solve a real-world problem inside the plant,” Higgins said.

But Higgins said to do that, students need to use a lot more than just technical skills.

“That requires teamwork, critical thinking skills, communication skills, their technical skills, and then presentation skills because when they’re done, they perform a presentation in front of the leadership team about their project,” Higgins said.

If they do well, those plans are then implemented at GE Aviation, while also preparing students for a future in engineering, no matter where they work.

As published by NBC5 September 28, 2022

Vermont Tech Announces 40+ Graduates of GE Aviation Apprenticeship Program

GE a world leader in providing aircraft engines, systems and avionics, with a location in Rutland, Vermont, announces that its GE Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship Programs graduated 41 apprentices in toolmaking, electrical maintenance, and mechanical maintenance on August 26, 2022.

The graduation took place at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel. Patricia Moulton, executive director of Vermont State Colleges System’s workforce development division, was the keynote speaker. Jeffrey Higgins, EdD, professor and Director of External Degree Programs at Vermont Technical College, was the guest speaker.

“Our graduates gained so much from GE’s apprenticeship programs, but they also gave back to GE,” Dr. Higgins said. “Apprenticeship capstone projects accounted for more than $3M in plant efficiencies. Those savings don’t include what we call cascading benefits, things difficult to monetize such as freeing up technician time to work on more projects, increasing safety for employees, improving quality, and increasing employee morale.”

GE Manufacturing Technician Apprentice Program graduates earned 20 – 40 college credits, depending upon the program in which they are enrolled, and many are continuing on to Vermont Technical College for the associate and bachelor’s degrees in their respective fields.

“A strong manufacturing base is critical to Vermont’s present and future. As manufacturing jobs move from low-tech to high-skill, training the manufacturing workforce will be increasingly important. Building a strong program for workforce development is essential. This program is a sterling example of that,” said Patricia Moulton.

“I was determined to get into this program, and thankfully I was selected. I learned a lot in the Vermont Technical College classes – they really helped to lay the foundation. It has been a long road to get where I am today, but I am grateful I did it this way. I believe my time in the program will help me be a more effective engineer in the future, “ said Jim Wark, forge manufacturing engineer at GE Aerospace Rutland and a graduate of the apprenticeship program.

In addition to the GE Aviation Apprenticeship Programs, Vermont Technical College also directs the GW Plastics/Nolato Manufacturing Technology Leadership Program, the GS Precision Advanced Machinist Program, and the GlobalFoundries Maintenance Technician Apprentice Program.

Additional story information can be viewed on WCAX.

Vermont Tech Awarded Grant to Increase Meat Processing Courses

Vermont Technical College has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the state’s Working Lands program to increase meat processing courses at the school.

State agriculture officials say the money will create a number of certificate opportunities for students.

Officials say about 70 students a year will learn the trade which ultimately will help address workforce shortages in the industry.

“Vermont livestock producers cannot expand their operations or capitalize on the growing demand that we are seeing for their value-added products unless we really get the meat processing infrastructure expansions that are going to enable more throughput and help with the insufficient meat processing infrastructure that exists,” said Lynn Ellen Schimoler of the Working Lands Enterprise Fund.

This May, the program awarded $3.1 million in grants to grow agriculture and small businesses in Vermont.

More than $5 million in grants have been awarded since the beginning of the year.

As reported by WCAX, May 12, 2022

Vermont Tech Now Offers Online Bootcamps for In-demand IT Specialties

Vermont Tech has launched a new online bootcamp series geared towards helping students prepare for lucrative and fulfilling careers in the information technology (IT) industry. The six-month, immersive training programs provide students with fast access to in-demand and emerging tech jobs.

Students can enroll in comprehensive bootcamps covering artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), cybersecurity, and full stack web development to attain the necessary skills and knowledge to apply for their dream IT job opportunities. Each bootcamp features highly interactive training sessions led by industry experts, and hands-on exercises based on real-life applications in a wide range of relevant IT specialties.

Focus is put on enabling aspiring and existing IT professionals to conveniently access the training needed to fill high-need technical skills gaps in the industry. Each bootcamp helps participants prepare to stand out to employers through hands-on exercises and projects and a final capstone project so they can practice the skills needed to perform their job in the real world. Some bootcamps also provide participants with a completion certificate that can be used to attest their skills and knowledge—while others also leave them thoroughly prepared for relevant certification exams.

Vermont Tech’s bootcamps are the new addition to an expanding catalog of more than 1,000 online trainings through interactive, self-paced training, participants have the flexibility to learn at their convenience, while instructor-facilitated coaching sessions provide the structure and support they need to fulfill their career goals.

The self-paced training is offered entirely online and requires 15 to 25 hours per week to complete the curriculum. A dedicated instructor facilitates these bootcamp trainings and paces learners, so participants have a good balance between the flexibility of self-paced learning and the structure of instructor-led classes.

Participants also go through online coaching sessions, where they receive advice and feedback from expert instructors who are leaders in their respective fields. This kind of mentorship helps to strengthen their knowledge in the subject and provides them with a better sense of direction for a career in IT.

To learn more, contact Vermont Tech’s Continuing Education & Workforce Development department at cewdonline@vtc.edu or visit us online.

Vermont State Colleges Students Eligible for New Scholarships

Today, the Vermont State Colleges System Board Chair, Chancellor, and Presidents held a press conference to announce the new legislation that creates several scholarship programs for Vermonters. Thanks to the Legislature and Governor, Vermont is funding several incredible opportunities for high school graduates and adult learners at the Vermont State Colleges this year. We are grateful, especially to the Legislature, for their prioritization of higher and continuing education and workforce development in their strategy for allocation of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds.

These scholarships total a $15 million investment in Vermont students. This helps address the affordability of public higher education. We are thrilled that our students are reaping the rewards of this tremendous opportunity this year.

The new scholarship initiatives are

  • Welcome Home / Transfer Scholarship – for Vermonters who were attending an out-of-state college or who exited a VSC institution in 2020-2021.
    • This scholarship award is up to $5,000 for full-time students and $3,000 for part-time students per year to cover tuition, room and board, and fees.
  • Degree Completion Scholarship – for Vermonters who have earned at least 40 college credits and have a gap in their education of at least two years.
    • This scholarship is a ‘last-dollar’ scholarship, meaning it covers any remaining balance after all state and federal gift aid is applied.
  • Free Tuition Scholarship – for students entering or returning to programs identified as ‘Critical Occupations’ in the legislation, including healthcare programs and the McClure Best Bet programs.
    • This scholarship is a ‘last-dollar’ scholarship, meaning it covers any remaining balance after all state and federal gift aid is applied.
    • July 16, 2021: Due to response volume paired with limited State funding, this program’s awarding is paused at Vermont Tech, Castleton University, and Northern Vermont University, with the exception of our Paramedicine Program. Students admitted prior to this date are being awarded existing funds. Your continued interest is encouraged, while we work to secure additional funding. Please stay tuned. Scholarship programs above and the VSAC scholarships are unaffected by this pause.

VSAC also joined the press conference to present their state-funded initiative that also apply to students interested in taking a course tuition-free at one of the Vermont State Colleges System institutions: Green Mountain Grad and 802 Opportunity Grant. These programs are both provided by VSAC.

The press conference streaming archive is available on the VSC YouTube channel.

How to Keep Your Greenhouse Pest Free

How to Keep Your Greenhouse Pest Free

Technically,  spring is right around the corner, beginning with the March 20 equinox. But in Vermont,  the cold and snow can stay much longer. That’s why many farmers and growers start their crops in greenhouses.

But growing indoors comes with challenges—like pests and diseases. So how can you keep their plants healthy? Try integrated pest management.

What is integrated pest management?

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable way to control pests and diseases, while reducing harm to plants and the environment. By adopting an IPM plan, you can help keep your greenhouse crops healthy.

For example, instead of using pesticides to kill harmful insects, you can introduce natural predators. We call this biological control.

How to use biological controls

Let’s explore how to use biological controls to manage two common pests: aphids and fungus gnats.

Aphids

Aphids aggravate many growers. The Old Farmer’s Almanac describes aphids as “small, soft-bodied insects that feed by sucking the nutrient-rich liquids out of plants. In large numbers, they can weaken plants significantly, harming flowers and fruit. Aphids multiply quickly, so it’s important to get them under control before reproduction starts.” In fact, their offspring are often born pregnant!

So how can you keep aphids at bay? Try parasitic wasps.

It works like this: first, the wasp lays eggs inside the aphid nymph (a young insect). Next, the eggs hatch, producing larvae that eat the nymphs from the inside. Finally, the nymph swells into a brown mummy.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats, tiny flies that plague indoor growers, wreak havoc by laying eggs in organic matter (like potting soil). Though adult flying fungus gnats may be a nuisance inside, it’s their larvae hiding in the soil that cause damage to your plants. The larvae chew roots and affect plant growth and health. Overwatering and cool temperatures can lead to fungus gnat infestations.

To combat fungus gnats, try nematodes—tiny, non-segmented roundworms.

Nematodes are mixed with water and applied as a soil drench. They search for fungus gnats and enter through body openings (like the mouth). To find larvae, they rely on vibrations, movements, and carbon dioxide. Upon entering the fungus gnat, they release a toxin (a symbiotic bacterium), which kills the  larvae.

Learn more about IPM

Ready to create your own IPM plan? Enroll in our two-day Integrated Pest Management training to take your pest control skills to the next level.