Vermont’s Way to Work
Since 2021, the Vermont Legislature has partnered with the Serve Learn Earn collaborative (SLE) to address critical workforce shortages in construction, forestry, conservation, and sustainable agriculture. SLE’s partners lead hands-on training programs that build a robust and equitable workforce, strengthening Vermont’s capacity to meet housing, economic, food security, and climate goals
In collaboration with the Agency of Natural Resources and SerVermont, SLE helps Vermonters build essential technical and interpersonal skills, explore career possibilities, develop job readiness, and forge connections with local employers. By completing service projects, participants hone their skills, deepen peer relationships, build resilience and confidence, and strengthen their communities and the state’s economy.
“VDOL is proud to partner with SLE’s three pre-apprenticeship programs, which help prepare Vermonters for careers critical to the state’s thriving future, including in the trades. It’s the first step for many into a well-paying, rewarding career.”
Sarah Knight, Senior Program Administrator for Apprenticeship Workforce Development Division, Vermont Department of Labor
2,162 PARTICIPANTS
15,902 WEEKS OF
859
Youth Career Exploration
85 Vermonters served in 2025
Career exploration programs are a critically important resource for young people, bridging the transition from high school to work and future training. SLE’s programs provide supportive opportunities to explore and get hands-on experience in various occupations while also building professional attitudes and transferable skills like communication, problem solving, and resilience.
By connecting young people to opportunities and employers in the building trades, conservation, and sustainable agriculture, SLE promotes a robust pipeline of workers and encourages our youth to stay and work in Vermont.
“YouthBuild worked for me because it’s like
a
family here;
it’s all one-on-one when
you need help. All the work is hands-on and straightforward. My YouthBuild experience changed me for the better. It helped me see what I want to do for a career and how to do it.”
ReSOURCE YouthBuild Graduate
Housing & Construction Industry 212 Vermonters served in 2025
SLE partners are building equitable and sustainable pathways into trades careers, helping to fill vacant positions and address our housing crisis.
In 2025, three trades programs became registered pre-apprenticeship programs through the Department of Labor. Participants earn industryrecognized credentials, get hands-on training, and engage with employers through paid internships, gaining critical experience and strengthening communities. Graduates were hired by Montpelier Construction, Spates Construction, Control Technologies, Blair Custom Builders, Vermont Frames, WheelPad, and others.
“This program has completely changed my life! I used to feel silly saying I wanted to pursue a career in the trades. Now I can confidently say this is what I want to do and who I want to be.”
177 Industry Recognized Construction Credentials Earned (NCCER, OSHA-10)
30 Clean Heat Credentials Earned (Heat Pump Installation)
Forestry, Flood Recovery & Climate Resiliency
124 Vermonters served in 2025
SLE’s Conservation programs at Audubon Vermont and VYCC provide participants with hands-on experience and the opportunity to gain employer-recognized credentials in land and wildlife stewardship. In partnership with ANR, federal agencies, towns, and private landowners, participants make a real impact on preserving natural resources, improving outdoor infrastructure, and building flood resiliency.
SLE Conservation programs support a range of conservation efforts throughout Vermont, including forestry, flood recovery, habitat improvement, farm and forestland assessment, and species monitoring.
SLE Graduates have been hired by the Town of Essex, the North Branch Nature Center, Red Start Natural Resources Management, and the Lake Champlain Basin Program, among others.
Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security
89 Vermonters served in 2025
Participants in VYCC Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security programs help address food and nutritional security in Vermont. Participants receive hands-on training in sustainable agriculture practices, poultry production, vegetable production, and safe food handling by working with VYCC’s professional staff to grow and distribute 75,000 pounds of produce annually. This year, 661 Vermont families received up to 27 weeks of fresh produce via the VYCC healthcare share program. SLE graduates have been hired by Vermont Food Bank and Trillium Hill Farm, among many others.
“The experiences of this internship could never be replicated in a classroom. I think the hands-on nature of this work allows learning to be done faster as well as more indepth. I found all of my experiences this summer to be useful in my future.”
Audubon Vermont Participant
“My VYCC experience has been the most impactful time of my life. It has shaped me into a confident, skilled, and proud young adult. VYCC has exposed me to new living conditions, environments, and interpersonal dynamics, proving to me that I’m capable of more than I thought.”
VYCC Corps Member
