Vermont Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Vermont
Average Cost of Trade School in Vermont
Most trade programs in Vermont are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Vermont, smaller population centers can make trade work more localized, with strong demand for practical service trades across communities.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $7,261 higher than in-state on average.
| Vermont Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $7,502 |
|---|---|
| Vermont Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $14,763 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Vermont
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Vermont Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Vermont trade training often includes 6–24 months for initial schooling and 3–5 year apprenticeships for many skilled trades that require documented hours and progression steps.
- Licensing and permitting vary by trade and locality. Regulated work may require documented experience and exams, and local permits/inspections are common—verify requirements with Vermont and local authorities.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Vermont
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Vermont. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $28.41 | $1,136 | $4,925 | $59,109 |
| AV Technician | $35.32 | $1,413 | $6,122 | $73,466 |
| Carpenter | $27.64 | $1,106 | $4,791 | $57,491 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $38.14 | $1,526 | $6,611 | $79,331 |
| CNC Machinist | $26.14 | $1,046 | $4,531 | $54,371 |
| Construction | $27.75 | $1,110 | $4,810 | $57,720 |
| Concrete Finisher | $30.43 | $1,219 | $5,283 | $63,394 |
| Diesel Technician | $31.56 | $1,262 | $5,470 | $65,645 |
| Electrician | $33.38 | $1,335 | $5,786 | $69,430 |
| Heavy Equipment | $27.22 | $1,080 | $4,678 | $56,138 |
| HVAC Technician | $30.80 | $1,232 | $5,339 | $64,067 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $30.45 | $1,218 | $5,279 | $63,349 |
| Ironworker | $29.02 | $1,163 | $5,040 | $60,482 |
| Lineworker | $45.47 | $1,819 | $7,882 | $94,578 |
| Marine Mechanic | $31.45 | $1,258 | $5,449 | $65,382 |
| Mason | $29.56 | $1,182 | $5,124 | $61,485 |
| Plumber | $35.31 | $1,402 | $6,073 | $72,874 |
| Roofer | $26.28 | $1,051 | $4,555 | $54,662 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $27.83 | $1,105 | $4,786 | $57,431 |
| Welder | $26.67 | $1,059 | $4,592 | $55,098 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Vermont Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Vermont’s trade market is shaped less by rapid growth and more by infrastructure maintenance, aging housing stock, and extreme seasonal conditions. Skilled trades remain essential across the state due to long winters, rural geography, and the need to maintain residential, municipal, and utility systems year-round.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Vermont students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Burlington & Chittenden County: The state’s largest employment hub, supporting commercial construction, healthcare facilities, and residential retrofits.
- Statewide rural communities: Consistent demand for electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians due to limited contractor availability.
- Cold-climate infrastructure: Heating systems, insulation upgrades, and weatherization projects drive steady HVAC and mechanical work.
- Municipal and utility work: Water systems, road maintenance, and energy infrastructure rely heavily on skilled trades.
Major Employers and Contractors in Vermont
Vermont’s trade workforce frequently works with regional contractors, utilities, and public-sector projects rather than large national developers:
- PC Construction — Vermont-based contractor involved in commercial, healthcare, and institutional projects.
- DEW Construction — Regional firm handling commercial and public infrastructure work.
- Green Mountain Power — Major employer for electrical and utility-related trade work.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Vermont
Vermont maintains a stronger union presence than many rural states, particularly in electrical, plumbing, and public-sector construction. However, small independent contractors and open-shop employers still make up a large portion of the trade workforce, especially outside urban areas.
Union Apprenticeships in Vermont
Union opportunities are most common in infrastructure, utilities, and commercial projects:
- IBEW Local 300 — Electrical apprenticeships serving Vermont and surrounding regions.
- UA Local 693 — Plumbing and pipefitting apprenticeships tied to commercial and institutional work.
- Vermont Laborers’ Union — Infrastructure, highway, and public works-focused training paths.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union employment dominates Vermont’s residential and service-based trade work. Many tradespeople enter through small contractors, vocational programs, or direct mentorship. Due to limited workforce supply, skilled workers often experience strong job security and consistent demand once licensed.
Because Vermont has fewer large contractors, reputation, versatility, and the ability to work independently play an outsized role in long-term career success.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal programs tied to infrastructure and utilities | Employer-led or vocational school-based training |
| Pay Progression | Structured wage schedules | Experience-based increases |
| Benefits | Pension and healthcare benefits common | Varies widely by employer |
| Project Types | Public works, utilities, commercial | Residential, service, rural maintenance |
| Best Fit For | Those seeking infrastructure or utility-focused careers | Those comfortable with small contractors and independent work |