Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), vice chair of the Senate appropriations committee, and Vermont Technical College (“Vermont Tech”) President Patricia Moulton Monday, Aug. 31, announced a $7.969 million contract awarded to Vermont Tech from the U.S. Army’s Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) office as part of its National Imperative for Industrial Skills. The contract, which has an additional $4 million option, will establish the first advanced manufacturing education, research and development facility in Vermont.
“To retain and increase manufacturing jobs Vermonters need cutting edge training. The VTC advanced manufacturing facility will ensure that more Vermonters have the training and skills to match the latest generation of manufacturing jobs. By expanding and strengthening Vermont Tech’s position as a leader in this field, this collaborative public-private partnership will open new career opportunities to Vermonters and contribute to Vermont Tech’s bright future. It was important to me that this facility be located on the school’s Randolph Center campus, ensuring that Vermont manufacturers around the state will have the ability to partner and benefit from this important skill training,” Leahy said.
The new center located in Randolph will bring together students, faculty, and Vermont manufacturers to educate the next-generation workforce.
After conversations with Vermont businesses and Vermont Tech, Leahy secured funding for the IBAS program in the Fiscal Year 2020 Dept. of Defense Appropriations Bill. The grant comes at a time when Vermont and the nation are experiencing a critical shortage of manufacturing capability and workforce, and while the state’s postsecondary attainment needs continue to grow. The U.S. Army’s IBAS program is designed to strategically invest in the civilian manufacturing design, engineering, and production sector to ensure capability in the event of a national emergency. The center will further tailor Vermont Tech’s educational programs to the real-world needs of Vermont manufacturers.
