How veterans can get help with employment skills - training and education support for veterans
For veterans returning to civilian life, access to affordable education and job training remains one of the most valuable federal benefits. Two major programs lead this effort. The primary training and education support for veterans include the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) and Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E, Chapter 31). Together, they provide the financial support, counseling, and structure needed for veterans to transition into skilled, stable careers after service. Learn more on these veteran job training programs below, including links to enrollment information.
Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) program for veterans
The most widely available federal benefit for veterans seeking education or training is the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Through the Post-9/11 GI Bill, qualified veterans receive coverage for tuition and fees as well as a monthly housing allowance. Eligible veterans generally receive up to 36 months of benefits that can be used for college degrees, non-college degrees, flight training, a free CDL driver license, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.
The programs are a partnership of the Department of Labor as well as the Department of Veterans Affair. Together they provide people with the skills and experiences, along with financial help in the form of applications to programs that give vets money. The focus is on providing everything that is required to help veterans obtain jobs that are in high demand.
- For veterans planning to use their benefits for training, the first step is to confirm eligibility and remaining entitlement with the VA at https://www.va.gov/education/. The veteran should contact the veteran services office at their chosen school to confirm the institution is VA-approved and the training program qualifies for the selected benefit.
- At the same time, visit the nearest American Job Center (aka One-Stop Career Center) and ask for veteran-priority services. Work with a career counselor to identify training programs or apprenticeships tied to high-demand local jobs, and ask about any state or local veteran training grants or subsidized apprenticeship opportunities that lead to a career. It is wise to apply early, maintain full-time or part-time enrollment as required, and track deadlines or delimiting dates associated with the benefit being used.
- Detailed information, eligibility rules, and application instructions are published by the VA at https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/post-9-11/ For those who still have remaining entitlement under the Post-9/11 GI Bill, it remains a very flexible and effective way to gain new credentials or degrees.
Veterans with a disability can get help from Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
Veteran Readiness and Employment, or VR&E, is another option. It is also called “Chapter 31” by many. VRE helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable work or, when needed, live more independently while building toward employment. Some participants pursue higher education, while others receive vocational training or adaptive equipment for self-employment.
It is administered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and remains one of the most practical, flexible programs for veterans in the job market today. The program overview and application hub is at https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/.
- Services in the VR&E plan can include evaluation of abilities, professional or vocational counseling, job-readiness coaching, as well as real work experience. This includes apprenticeships and on-the-job training, post-secondary education or certificates, special employer incentives, and, when appropriate, independent-living services to restore daily-living functions while you prepare for work.
- You can apply if you were not dishonorably discharged and you have a VA service-connected disability rating of at least 10%. For most veterans separated before January 1, 2013, there is a 12-year basic period of eligibility measured from the later of the date of separation notice or the date of your first VA disability rating notice.
- VR&E may cover tuition, books, fees, equipment, and supportive services. In addition another major benefit is that it may place you in apprenticeships or non-paid work experiences to build a resume that leads to a job offer.
Conclusion and how to apply
Both the Chapter 31 and Chapter 33 programs reflect a national commitment to help veterans build sustainable futures through education and meaningful work. One of the primary goals of the veteran programs is to provide people the ability to gain new skills, and sharpen existing ones through vocational, technical, or academic retraining. Learning about these options, and working on these skills, should help ex military members find meaningful employment in high-demand careers that could lead to a decent wage.
Anyone who needs more information or wants to apply can learn more about the veteran educational and job training programs. You can dial 800-827-1000 to speak to a specialist, and you can also find other VA contact information (website here: https://www.va.gov/contact-us/). Another option is to stop by a local American Job Centers (One-Stop Career Center), and those locations will also have information.
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