Vermont Training Program (VTP)

Vermont Training Program (VTP)

Supports Vermont employers with workforce training reimbursements covering half of training costs after successful completion.

The Vermont Training Program (VTP) is a workforce development grant administered by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), Department of Economic Development, and has operated continuously for more than 30 years. The program reimburses Vermont employers for up to 50% of the cost of training permanent full-time Vermont employees. Reimbursable costs fall into two categories: wages paid during on-the-job training, and fees paid to third-party trainers or vendors for classroom-based instruction. The employer covers the remaining half, making it a cost-sharing program rather than a full subsidy.

All sectors are technically eligible, but the program prioritizes Vermont's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) target sectors: advanced manufacturing, financial services, food systems, health care, software and information technology, biotechnology, and clean energy. Trainees must be full-time permanent Vermont employees — contractors and part-time workers do not qualify. At the time training is completed, employee wages must meet the Vermont Livable Wage, which as of 2024 stands at $19.53 per hour in Chittenden County and $17.68 per hour in rural areas. Employers must offer at least three qualifying benefits from a defined list including health insurance (at least 50% employer-paid), dental insurance, paid vacation, paid holidays, child care assistance, retirement contributions, or other paid time off.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with an approximate 18 business day turnaround for grant agreement execution. A critical compliance requirement is that the grant agreement must be signed before training begins — retroactive reimbursement is not permitted. Excluded from eligible costs are travel, materials, equipment, consulting fees, and course development expenses. The program is practical and accessible: employers in priority sectors with a concrete near-term training plan and qualifying workforce can apply at any time through ACCD's Department of Economic Development.