This report describes Vermont's experience with a program to upgrade the working poor and thus increase their total family income. Upgrading refers to enhancing one's job skills which ultimately will lead to increased earnings within one's given occupation. Employer cooperation was encouraged through use of on-site job facilities where supervised upgrading could be effected. Potential upgrading trainees who met income eligibility standards for entry into the program were not easily located without income benefit provisions. Those who did were usually employed in seasonal occupations. Additionally, the geographic dispersement of Vermont's industries mitigated against economies of scale for this program. Emphasis was shifted toward potential secondary wage earners among the rural poor. "Cottage crafts" such as spinning and weaving were taught to the family spouse as an income supplement. Professional craftsmen and local businessmen were recruited to foster the program. (Also included are 12 appendixes, and lists of illustrations and tables.) (Author)