The latest episode of View from the Top features Tom Cheney, Executive Director of Advance Vermont. With a background in public policy and education, Tom is working to change how Vermonters approach career paths and post-secondary education.
After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont, Tom landed a job at 22 working for the Speaker of the House in Vermont. This experience gave him insight into the challenges facing Vermont’s workforce and the barriers that prevent people from accessing education and training. Through Advance Vermont, he is working to shift the belief that college or immediate full-time work are the only options. Many fields, such as trades and healthcare, require specialized training but not a four-year degree. Advance Vermont serves as a central resource, helping workers navigate the many programs available and acquire skills that Vermont employers need.
Tom’s passion for education runs deep—his mother and aunt were teachers, and his grandfather was a preacher. He believes everyone has value, and educators play a key role in helping students find careers that fit their strengths. He could even see himself becoming a teacher one day, particularly for middle school students, an age group he sees as eager to learn but still discovering who they are.
Through his leadership at Advance Vermont, Tom is helping make workforce development more accessible. By centralizing resources, advocating for diverse career paths, and changing the conversation around education, he’s ensuring more Vermonters have opportunities to build meaningful careers. To hear more about his work, listen to the full episode of View from the Top on the platform of your choice, or below: