OUTDOOR CAREERS
Outdoor employers know that talent is one of their biggest assets, yet hiring and training workers continues to be a universal challenge. Many conversations are underway within the legislature, education, state agencies, and service providers on how to address the state’s widespread challenges for recruitment, education, training, retention, seasonality, and inclusion. VOBA's workforce efforts seek to identify outdoor-specific needs to inform these conversations and emerging opportunities.
In the winter of 2022, VOBA and SIMPACT, the consulting group of UVM's MBA in Sustainable Innovation Program, held focus groups with 55 outdoor businesses on the recruitment, retention, education, and training needs now and in the future. A report identified solutions including formalizing trade pathways, facilitating industry partnerships, creating an inclusive workforce, providing business assistance, and enacting systemic change to support the outdoor sector. A recommendation for continued investment will support employers in finding qualified employees and young people staying for Vermont's economic opportunities and unique natural and recreation resources.
In 2023, VOBA will use a $150,000 grant from the Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic Collaborative (VOREC) Community Grant Program for workforce development and business assistance in the outdoor recreation sector in Washington, Caledonia, and Rutland Counties. The VOREC grant will enable VOBA to bring together businesses and education partners for developing professional training programs based on needs identified by businesses - especially in the trades - leading to employment or placement in experiential learning with Vermont companies.
Outdoor trends for increased participation and demand for outdoor goods, services, and experiences continue to strain Vermont's seasonal and skilled workforce as employers struggle to hire for needed positions. The Public Assets Institute reported in July 2022 that although Vermont's labor force has gained over 6,000 employees, it still falls short 20,000 workers from pre-pandemic levels. The US Bureau of Economic Analysis released data in November 2022 that although Vermont’s outdoor employment grew 17.6 percent between 2020 and 2021, Vermont ranked 49th in the country for the sector’s 14,582 jobs in 2021 with compensation ranking 48th.
Education institutions have responded by working closely with industries to develop education and training opportunities for students and adults and the Upskill Vermont Scholarship provides free classes. In June, VOBA hosted a tour for Vermont outdoor apparel and accessory manufacturers of Fourbital Factory, a new workforce development hub in Burlington. In 2023, VOBA is supporting Northern Vermont University's new Sustainable Trail Building certificate with a curriculum designed by Vermont's master trail builders.
State agencies have also launched and adjusted existing programs to meet the needs of Vermont’s outdoor employers. VSAC’s Vermont Trades Scholarship Program uses funds allocated during the last legislative session to technical occupations within the outdoor sector.
Read below for a list of resources.
EDUCATION RESOURCES
Vermont residents can take up to two professional development courses for free at the University of Vermont by applying for an Upskill Vermont Scholarship. Funds may be applied to non-credit courses if already enrolled or apply to new courses.
Vermonters whose jobs were affected by COVID qualify for funding to take up to two free courses at Northern Vermont University or within Vermont State University. Funding is available for training across many high-demand industries and workforce-focused course through Center for Professional Studies.
Lyndon Institute’s outdoor recreation program includes Project Bike Tech, which provides students with a Level I bike technician certification, desirable because of Vermont's mountain biking, and road and gravel biking opportunities. The program also includes outdoor living, trip planning and leadership and is anticipated to include an introduction to ski technician skills and wilderness first aid.
Sterling College’s outdoor education program, including Gear Repair and Design classes and a mobile clinic, providing preparation for careers in public or private education, environmental advocacy, adventure programming, and nature-based education.
TRAINING RESOURCES
The Worker Relocation Incentive Program has been launched at ThinkVermont.com with $3 million in funding by the Vermont Legislature. Grants will provide up to $7,500 to both new workers (moving to Vermont to take a Vermont job) and remote workers (moving to Vermont and bringing their job with them) for all occupations to defray moving costs.
The new Vermont Trades Scholarship Forgivable Loan Program administered by the Vermont Student Assistance Corp. (VSAC) provides an interest-free forgivable loan that covers up to full tuition for qualified recipients (Vermont residents or non-residents) enrolled in industry-recognized training and certification programs that lead to a career in select building, mechanical, industrial or medical trades; emergency services; energy; transportation; and other high-demand sectors. Eligible expenses include tuition, initial licensing fees, and exam fees for qualified recipients who enroll in high-need trades training and certificate programs. Funding for the $3 million program is part of the $84.5 million comprehensive workforce and economic development initiative passed last legislative session. Find application details and information about other grants for Vermont residents such as the Advancement Grant or the Vermont Grant.
The Vermont Training Program provides performance-based workforce grants for pre-employment training, training for new hires, and training for incumbent workers. Training can either be on-site or offered through an outside provider and grants may cover up to 50% of the training cost.
Vermont Works for Women’s Trailblazers classes prepare participants for jobs in specific sectors, by providing networking with employers and female-identifying mentors, job search support, building projects in the community, and facilitating internships with local employers. For employers, an annual job fair and G.E.A.R. (Gender Equity Advancement Roundtable) supports organizations talking about equity progress.
Based in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom (NEK), Train NEK offers SOLO-certifying Rural and Backcountry Medicine courses including Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, First Aid and CPR – helping outdoor professionals and rural enthusiasts alike more fully enjoy Vermont’s vast outdoor landscape day to day.
HIRING RESOURCES
Working Fields is a local mission-driven staffing agency that specializes in connecting employers with Vermont's 21,000 hidden workers. The agency matches jobseekers with employer clients to fill open roles, then provides individualized peer support throughout their employment. A core goal is to build careers and to cover all recruitment, insurance, and conversion costs.
Jobs Boards
Outdoor Workforce Report
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and Oregon State University's Center for the Outdoor Recreation Economy (CORE) released the national report, "Outdoor Rec Drives Jobs, Careers in the Outdoor Economy," featuring career paths and workforce needs now and for the future. An accompanying career path module features people in the outdoor industry in different roles.