Phil Scott, the Vermont Dept. of Labor (VDOL), and the McClure Foundation announced the release of Vermont’s Most Promising Jobs list, featuring more than 50 occupations expected to pay a median wage above $30/hour and have at least 300 openings over the next decade. 

“We have tens of thousands of jobs available in Vermont,” said Governor Scott. “It’s more important than ever we make sure our kids, and adults looking for new careers, know about all the good paying, in demand opportunities here in the state.” 

The Dept. of Labor and the McClure Foundation, an affiliate of the Vermont Community Foundation, have partnered since 2014 to produce the Vermont’s Most Promising Jobs eight-page brochure as a career exploration resource for students and job seekers across Vermont and for those interested in moving to the state.

“Vermont’s workforce is the backbone of our state’s economy, and ensuring Vermonters have access to resources like the Vermont’s Most Promising Jobs brochure is essential in connecting them with opportunities to develop meaningful, high-pay career paths,” said Commissioner Michael Harrington. “To help with that journey, the Dept. of Labor has employment and training specialists across the state ready to connect job seekers and career advancers with opportunities that fit their experience and interests, as well as their dreams. Thank you to the McClure Foundation for their ongoing partnership and active support in building Vermont’s future workforce.” 

Every two years, the McClure Foundation facilitates distribution of the Vermont’s Most Promising Jobs print brochure to area schools, organizations, and by request to individuals. Alongside the brochure, the Foundation offers easy-access mini-grants to schools, libraries, and community organizations using this information with job seekers and young people. 

“This resource serves as a simple, hopeful conversation starter for Vermont youth and job seekers to explore career pathways that work best for them,” said McClure Foundation Executive Director Carolyn Weir. “We are thrilled to partner once again with the Dept. of Labor to help Vermonters explore careers that fit their interests, values, and lifestyle.”  

 The Vermont’s Most Promising Jobs brochure includes information on median wages, number of projected openings, and minimum education requirements. The data reveals that Vermont’s promising jobs typically require training or education beyond high school — whether on-the-job training, a short-term credential such as a certificate, a registered apprenticeship, an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, or beyond. 

The featured jobs range from teachers to telecommunications and electrical line installers, from carpenters to computer support specialists, from registered nurses to real estate brokers, and from police officers to project management specialists. The full list of occupations is based on VDOL’s Long-Term Occupational Projections, which was released in September 2024. 

“This brochure highlights jobs that are expected to have numerous openings with competitive wages over the next two years,” said VDOL Economic & Labor Market Information Director Mathew Barewicz. “The projected openings are based on several factors, including economic growth, technological changes, job transfers, and retirements. Many jobs represent the ‘heroes’ in our communities — such as teachers, nurses, police officers, and plumbers. Like the brochure, this small sample of four jobs showcases the variety of possible educational pathways that can lead to a promising job.”  

 For more information, visit: mcclurevt.org/jobs.