In consultation with Advance Vermont, the Vermont State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) created a Training & Credentialing Work Group in 2018. The Work Group was tasked with establishing the charge and initial membership of a standing Training and Credentialing Committee. The Work Group included the following members:
- Co-Chair Marilyn Cargill, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
- Co-Chair Jay Ramsey, Agency of Education
- Hugh Bradshaw, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Kim Bushey, Department of Corrections
- Jane Fortin, Department of Labor
- Maureen Hebert, Vermont Technical College
- Lauren Hibbert, Office of Professional Regulation
- Sharon Parker, Agency of Education
- Mary Anne Sheahan, Vermont Talent Pipeline
- Joseph Teegarden, Center for Technology, Essex
The Work Group conducted five subsequent meetings between August 2018 and April 2019, designating two of the meetings for feedback from an extensive group of stakeholders. In April 2019, the Work Group completed its work and submitted the following recommendations to SWBD Chair Adam Grinold for approval:
- Definition of a “credential of value:
- Charge of the Training and Credentialing Committee
- Initial membership and governance of the Training and Credentialing Committee
- Process for the State approval for credentials of value
- Public availability of information pertaining to the Training and Credentialing Committee, process for the State approval for credentials of value, and the Vermont master credential list
- Topics for future consideration by the Training and Credentialing Committee
The efforts of this Work Group are critical to laying the foundation for broader awareness of the many high-quality education and training pathways available in Vermont, as well as tracking of the outcomes of the programs and their students. Providing the people of Vermont with flexible and affordable postsecondary pathways is key to meeting the State’s workforce demand and helping Vermonters secure jobs that meet their individual needs.