Southern Vermont Workforce Center of Excellence
The So.VT Workforce Center of Excellence is a hub-and-spoke model of relationships and resources, with the BDCC serving as a major convening entity between the Private, Public, and Social sectors. As the BDCC continues to be recognized throughout the State and Northeast for its Workforce Development initiatives, this innovative rural workforce model positions us to support all workforce efforts in Windham County with our staff and resources.
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation has designed and is implementing a number of Workforce Development programs to increase the size and quality of the workforce throughout the Windham Region, a key components of Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies.
As an organization, our focus is on jobs and employment pathways that are high-wage, high-demand, high-need, and high-opportunity. We know that people need opportunity and employers need people.
To understand these opportunities, BDCC and SeVEDS launched a new Hiring Needs Assessment initiative in 2019 to identify promising occupational sectors and gather real-time data about related skills, career pathways, and opportunities in the coming 1-5 years. Visit our publications page to view these reports.
Workforce Center of Excellence Brochure
Explore the links below to learn more about the resources and programs supported by the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation.
Pipelines & Pathways: Career Awareness Programming throughout Windham Regional High Schools
Vermont Talent Pipeline Management: Demand-Driven Employer Solutions
Southern Vermont Young Professionals Group: Retaining & Attracting the next Workforce
Welcoming Workplaces – New Americans
Meet the Staff:
Alex Beck, Workforce and Education Program Manager
Christy Betit, High School Pipelines & Pathways Coordinator
Jack Spanierman, Workforce Education Specialist
Aashna Kinkhabwala, Project Specialist
Awards:
The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation Workforce Center of Excellence project has won many awards. Some of the most notable are:
International Economic Development Council Award
In 2021, BDCC’s high school readiness program, Pipelines and Pathways, won a Gold Rank in the Talent Development and Retention category from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
Northeast Economic Development Association (NEDA) Award
The NEDA Board of Directors and 2016 Annual Conference Awards Committee recognized the Windham Region Workforce Center of Excellence as our 2016 Program of the Year for communities smaller than 50,000 in population. NEDA defines the Program of the Year as a multi-phased, multi-disciplined and multi-year series of activities and projects that successfully achieve a goal established in your local community’s economic development strategic plan.
To learn more about the awards this program has won, see the Awards & Recognition page
About Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC):
The Workforce Center of Excellence (WFCoE) is a workforce and career training and education initiative of the Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation that helps people take the next step in their career pathway. It supports youth and adults, with a special focus on New Americans and women, providing one-to-one assistance, supportive services and career readiness training. The WFCoE leverages BDCC’s relationships with employers and workforce development partners, supporting both sides of the labor exchange to connect people with opportunity, and employers with the talent they need. The WFCoE is funded in part by a Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) grant from the Northern Borders Regional Commission and US Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA).
Twin Valley Students Explore Community College of Vermont Offerings
Twin Valley’s Business Teacher, Erin Lovett Sherman, teamed up with BDCC to bring Sophomore, Junior and Senior students to CCV’s Brattleboro campus for a day of sample classes last Friday. Twin Valley Seniors and Early College students Sara Dix…
Employers Share Innovations & Challenges a “Expand Your Talent Options” Events
On Thursday 35 employers and training partners gathered for the second in the “Expand Your Talent Options” series offered through a partnership between BDCC and BAHRN, the Brattleboro Area Human Resources Network. The event featured a panel of experienced HR…
BDCC Vermont Employment Pathfinder featured at New England Workforce Network Conference
Jack Spanierman, the Workforce Education Specialist at Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation, presented BDCC’s Vermont Employment Pathfinder (VEP) tool to fellow workforce education professionals at the New England Workforce Network Conference in March at Cape Cod Community College. The presentation focused on…
Workday Wednesday at Bellows Falls Union High School
Last week BDCC staff were part of an information session for high schoolers with an interest in pursuing their Commercial Drivers License. Representatives from Casella, Green Mountain Power, and Northeast Driver Training school provided information on learning and career pathways…
BDCC Workforce Programs Celebrated and Showcased
March 10, 2025 Last Friday was a busy day for BDCC’s workforce team. Jack, Jen and Aashna attended New England Workforce Network Conference at Cape Cod Community College, presenting the Vermont Employment Pathfinder (VEP) tool and project to 150 peers…
Practical Skills Fair Puts Future in Sight
“We really want to open their minds to all the possibilities. … For such a long time, the measure of success for schools was how many kids graduate or went to college. But, you know, I think that needs to…
EnGen Learning Lab: Career-Oriented ESL Learning
Above: Participants from first EnGen Learning Lab working in the platform, based on individualized lesson plans Southern Vermont has welcomed hundreds of new Americans over the last several years, in large part thanks to the efforts of asylum and refugee…
BDCC Launches Manufacturing Hiring Needs Survey
Are you a manufacturer in southeastern Vermont? BDCC would like to learn more about your hiring needs. For 70 years, BDCC has supported the region’s manufacturing sector, from tiny startups through expanding global companies. Manufacturing is critical to this region’s…
Digital Literacy for Career Growth Graduates 11 Students
Brattleboro, VT — During the frigid months of January and February, a group of 11 individuals enrolled in a workforce training entitled, ‘Digital Literacy for Career Growth.’ During the 6 sessions, participants learned about how to best use digital tools…
Press Release: Spring Events Connect Local Students with Career Pathways Presenters Welcome!
BRATTLEBORO, VT – In partnership with regional high schools, BDCC’s Pipelines and Pathways Program (P3) is hosting three spring events to connect Windham County students with future opportunities. Local employers, training providers, and service organizations are invited to participate in…