Vermont adult learning (VAL) will oversee this collaborative program inclusive of vermont's three other adult basic education providers/sub-award recipients - central vermont adult basic education…

Vermont adult learning (VAL) will oversee this collaborative program inclusive of vermont's three other adult basic education providers/sub-award recipients - central vermont adult basic education (cvabe), the tutorial center (TTC), and northeast kingdom learning services (nekls). This collaboration will allow participants around the state to obtain certifications of value in an array of fields of need while remaining truly student-centered. This program meets the needs of both the business community and program participants by creating an educated workforce and filling gaps in the labor market. Activities performed the greater collaborative program will provide workforce development programming to prepare low-income individuals for careers in weatherization, solar panel installation, heat pump installation, healthcare, hospitality, customer service, technology, workplace safety, and early childhood education. Trainings will be conducted by vetted professionals with expertise in their respective fields and will include technical training, basic education, hands-on learning experiences, "soft skill" coaching (e.g. interview and resume preparation, communications, etc.), and wrap-around services. Participants who complete the program will have the opportunity to receive industry recognized credentials as well as job placement. VAL will act as the lead agency in this collaboration in addition to expanding its existing energy works program, providing no-cost training in weatherization, solar panel installation, and heat pump installation to 80-100 participants in rutland and ST. Albans. Deliverables ? 146-191 total expected participants to receive a specified service across all four agencies ? 70% of participants receiving services expected to graduate/complete the program ? Of those who complete the program, 75-100% will receive an IRC, certification of value, or specialized credentialing. ? Of those who complete the program, 75% expected to obtain employment or go on to further education. Intended beneficiary unemployed and underemployed vermonters, low-income and moderate-income households, and businesses in need of skilled employees to grow vermont's workforce. Subrecipient activities cvabe will enroll 24-36 participants in one of their existing programs and connect them with appropriate and well-vetted online certification modules focused on customer service, healthcare, technology, and workplace safety. Nekls will hire a project manager (PM) and convene a planning and implementation team who will work to secure mous with childcare centers to ensure paid internship and job shadowing opportunities for 30-40 participants seeking careers in early childhood education. The tutorial center will enroll an estimated 12-15 participants in skills-based education and training to obtain the appropriate skills and certifications for employment in their chosen field (EX. Food safe handling training for hospitality careers).