Rutland WIB outlines three‑year federal workforce grant, forms subcommittee to shape program

Greg, a facilitator with the Rutland Regional Planning Commission, told the Workforce Investment Board on Oct. 1 that the group had been awarded a U.S. Department of Labor grant to pilot a short‑term training and on‑the‑job training program for residents of Rutland County.

The three‑year award began Sept. 30 and runs through Sept. 30, 2027, Greg said. "They said, 'that's great. Here's $1,250,000,'" he said, noting the project originally requested $1.5 million and that program goals are being reduced to align with the awarded amount.

The grant will pay for short technical courses (delivered in partnership with Stafford Technical Center), employer‑supported on‑the‑job training (OJT), wages and supports including ESL help, GED resources, transportation for events and 30 driver‑education slots for non‑English speakers. Greg said the program is currently being amended to scale planned OJT funding from roughly $900,000 to about $660,000 to match the award.

The board heard program targets: an estimated 120 participants over three years (the original goal was 162), of which about 80 would be graduating high‑school seniors or recent graduates, 10 would be youth who dropped out of school and 30 would be recently relocated refugees. The presenter said the program aims to place more than 85% of participants into careers after training, with roughly half of placements in infrastructure, trades and manufacturing.

Devin Neary, executive director of the Regional Planning Commission, reviewed recent finances for the WIB. He said FY24 showed a net income of roughly negative $850, noted RPC currently covers several administrative expenses for the WIB, and reported a June 30 balance of $18,628.09. Neary also said about $1,819.70 remains in Vermont Community Foundation funds earmarked for youth events.

Board members raised operational questions about employer reimbursement and participant supports. "Will there be some sort of a timesheet...submitted to someone at the RPC for reimbursement?" asked Ellen Quayle, human resources director for the City of Rutland. Greg said documentation procedures remain under negotiation with the Department of Labor and emphasized a desire to limit administrative burden for employers.

Jay Ramsey of the Department of Labor and Wendy Morris, regional manager at the Vermont Department of Labor and vice chair of the WIB, urged co‑enrollment with existing DOL services and suggested registered apprenticeships as a pathway from short training to longer work‑based learning. "One of the things that Department of Labor always offers regardless of eligibility is case management services," Morris said, noting those services could support participants who struggle to remain engaged.

Members discussed age and eligibility rules for the program. The grant allows graduating seniors to be entered into the program, but the transcript and presenters left some details — such as whether 17‑year‑old graduates will be eligible without modifications — unresolved. Michael Keogh, director of workforce development for the Community College of Vermont, noted federal programs sometimes permit participants as young as 16 with appropriate modifications.

To move planning forward, Kyle Judson moved that a subcommittee be formed including a guidance lead (Tracy Galapo), a Rutland High School representative, three employers, a representative from Community College of Vermont, Department of Labor and Stafford Technical Center; the motion passed. Judson then moved that the subcommittee articulate its purpose — defining target audiences and procedures for using the funding — and the board approved that motion as well.

The board expects to work over October–December to finalize required policies and to submit the amended scope to the U.S. Department of Labor. The full board will next meet in December; the meeting adjourned at 9:29 a.m.