Business Refugee Resource Guide - Employment/Training

Health and Human Services:

• Dental Assisting
• Child Care/Human Services
• Cosmetology
• Allied Health Careers

Technology Trades:

• Automotive Technology
• Telecommunications
• Natural Resources & Agriscience Technology
• Professional Food Service
• Professional Food Service
• Marine/Recreation Vehicle Technology
• Building Technology
• Pre-Tech Program

Computer Technology:

• Business Technology
• Engineering/Architectural Design
• Computer Information Systems
• Printing/Computer Graphics
• Medical Records

• Operating the Career Directions Center at Burlington High School as a career exploration and planning resource for students, teachers and community. The Center contains books, videos, seven computer stations with three on the Internet, etc. Staff work with clients one-on-one to conduct career research, write resumes, job search, etc.
• Placing teachers in summer business internships to adapt curriculum and instruction.
• Creating opportunities for high school students to experience college and connect it to career options through "college Connections."
• Helping students develop career path options through quality work site learning experiences and hands-on applications in the classroom.

• STEP-UP for Women is a 13-week employment training program for women who are interested in exploring careers in the skilled trades, i.e., carpentry, electric wiring, plumbing, etc. STEP-UP for Women prepares women for high-skill, high-wage jobs in the skilled trades.
• WomenBuild is a three-month on-the-job training and work experience program in housing construction and rehabilitation. Participants of WomenBuild have some trades experience but are not yet prepared to transition into full-time employment in the skilled trades.
• Employment Diversity in Highway Construction is committed to increasing opportunities for women and ethnic minorities who seek to enter the field of highway construction. EDHC works to place women and minorities in on-the-job training positions and full-time positions in highway construction.

• Appliance Repair Trianing: Hands-on experience repairing large appliances in customer's homes. Opportunity to be EPA Class I certified to handle refrigerants.
• Business & Office Administration Training: Trainees help ReCycle North address its administrative needs at its Pine Street sales and service operation. Hands-on computer experience using Microsoft Office computer software.
• Customer Service/Retail Management Training: Hands-on experience running ReCycle North's busy retail store offering appliances, electronics household goods and furniture. Trainees learn Customer Relations, Cash Register Management skills, Supervision, Telephone/Retail Management skills, and Organization skills.
• Electronics Training: Trainees learn necessary skills to land a job in electro-mechanical manufacturing and production. Program covers electronics theory and principles, soldering skills, testing equipment, reading schematics and color codes.

• Recruitment/placement services
• Skills assessment
• Career planning
• Peer counseling
• Paid training & Paid work experience training
• Customized classroom training
• Work search assistance

• Help employers retain employees who become disabled.
• Collaborate with community resources to assist businesses.
• Conduct training on the Americans with Disabilities Act and disability awareness topics
• Provide private rehabilitation services for employees
• Arrange for free accessibility surveys

• On-the-Job Training, a business partnership with VDOL to reimburse up to 50% of employee's wages for training while on the job.
• VDOL website.
• Compass, a workshop for individuals to clarify vocational goals.
• Employment Search Assistance, a workshop on learning how to job search, write resumes, interview, etc.
• Job Networking Group, a weekly forum to provide peer support facilitated by VDOL staff.
• Recruitment through a statewide computerized job listing, screening and referral, National Job Bank.
• The agency will also help workers obtain bonding, answer questions regarding unemployment insurance and provide information on Vermont's labor force and employment.

• Assistance with the personnel process (i.e., interviewing, tax forms, training)
• Interpreter service
• English as a Second Language (ESL) classes in the community and at the job-site if desired
• Post-placement support as needed
• Orientation about culture, language and work issues

Assistance for refugees and recent immigrants:

• Employment readiness workshops
• One-on-one employment counseling and referrals to jobs
• Transportation for job placement activities
• Assistance in job upgrading and career enhancement
• Referrals for training and scholarships