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Subscribe to RSSThe Department of Veterans Affairs announced Monday that it has approved more than 36,000 applications for a training and education program designed for unemployed veterans.
Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) was created as part of the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 and provides up to 12 months of training in more than 200 jobs skills.
Veterans who receive the benefit must enroll in a VA-approved program at a community college or technical school and train for a high-demand occupation. The Department of Labor has defined those fields to include positions like petroleum technician, paralegal, preschool teacher, radiation therapist and locomotive engineer.
VA has received 51,000 applications and approved 36,000; the program's goal is to train 99,000 veterans in the next two years.
Veterans who have been approved for VRAP are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible to start training full-time in a VA-approved program of study offered by a community college or technical school. The program of study must lead to an associate degree, non-college degree, or certificate for a high-demand occupation as defined by DOL.
“The tremendous response illustrates how important this program is in providing veterans the opportunity to find employment in a high-demand field,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki, in a statement released by the agency.
To be eligible for the program, a veteran must be between 35 and 60, unemployed and have received an honorable discharge, among other requirements.
Rebecca Ruiz is a reporter at NBC News. Follow her on Twitter here.
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Thank you, President Obama, for treating our fighting men and women with the care and respect they deserve.
If that was true they would not be in Afghan being murdered as we speak and this "president" plays politics. What they are going through right now is an insult and careless sacrifice of life for no reason. WAKE UP!
I agree that it is a step in the right direction, but there are so many things in the VA education and health systems that are broken we have a long way to go to be treated and compensated fairly.
Misleading article title! 36,000 Veterans on Track to Get High; Demand Education, Training. Welcome Home Boys!!!
'Atta boy (or girl), dpepp, ..... immediately and automatically assume wonderful, magnanimous "team Obama" intentions and support this TINY, interestingly-timed "approval".
(What? .. Politics? ... Who, me?) chuckle.
dpepp: How about thanking President Obama for the millions of people STILL unemployed who have lost ALL hope of ever finding a job. If you're one of the lucky ones to have a job or a pension wait until you get that tax bill for Obamacare, asdditional welfare recipients and food stamps. Let's see if you still want to be thanking Obama.
This is only happening because it's election year. Let's see what goes down AFTER the election. It will be same ol' same ol'...poor America.
This is really a helping hand to so many vets. Thank you members of Congress and Mr. President for doing something to help. It really hurts to see so many come back after proudly serving, upon discharged they are unable to get hired. The skills the workplace needs are not the skills learned in the military.
This is excellent news. These men and women have sacrificed for us and they need help getting back on their feet. I hope this helps a lot of them... Bravo !!!
I like the sentiment, VI,.... and I wish I could share your positive thoughts. However, as an indie myself (I want ALL pols replaced regularly!), the ACTIONS (true track record - not what he/they SAY or what the old media claim) of team Obama have taught me to be cynical and doubtful. I'm not directly involved myself - so maybe you're right - but even though it's quite lengthy, I suggest you read Bobby's comment (below I think) before you are swayed one way or the other. PLEASE, if you're a TRUE "indie" voter research everything yourself, no matter WHAT you hear/read/see.... your country's future (future generations?) is likely at stake. Good luck!
Something positive for our vets - yeah!
I'm a Veterans Employment Representative, I've been trained on this program, I know the eligibility criteria, and I understand the stated focus. This program is a sham.
There is extraordinarily limited oversight, nearly zero accountability, and while a vet must present a pre-enrollment letter; there is little oversight beyond "attendance reporting" to hold them accountable.
This site isn't allowing links. Google VRAP Tool Kit and go to VA.gov to get the facts of this program.
Here's a brief fact sheet:
and here's a link to our official "toolkit":
The current backlog for issuing MGIB benefits averages 6 months and when issued, the money comes in a lump sum. Overpayments are subject to benefit forgiveness.
The amount the vet is receiving (not the school) is $1,473/month or $17676/yr. The vet is then responsible to pay the school with nothing more than a "surety" statement... if they attend. In comparison, a community college education in a high demand job only costs around $6000 for an Associates degree.
The reality is: I've had multiple vets on disability, welfare, or other entitlement programs who have seen this new program for what it is... an opportunity to get more free money. None of these vets have the intention of returning to school but they can sure show up with that pre-enrollment letter for "high demand" jobs: Google "VRAP high demand jobs" . These include athlete, referree, tour guides, fence installers, etc... There are many jobs that require almost zero training or a simple on the job training program.
Additionally, this program is only available if they vet isn't eligible for the GI Bill, WIA, Trade Act training, State-funded Voc. Rehab, Ch. 31 MGIB-related voc rehab, or other programs that require an intensive job matching and testing process to match the person to the job and also require accountability. All of which VRAP doesn't provide.
Additionally, VRAP has been around for MONTHS. They are simply rolling it out as news because of the GOP meeting up in Florida.
I'm on the frontline of this VRAP... I meet the vets who want this money. There are so few qualified veterans who want to use this program right so they can grow and advance professionally. However, daily I met with people who recognize a free buck and a program with almost no oversight. There are so many negatives mixed with so few of the positives commonly associated with a "good" program. This program needs to be recognized for what it is... pandering to the vets with the hope of buying votes.
It's an ineffective program and you'll find that this mistake will continue uncorrected without any widespread positive outcome. It should be managed with the same constraints as the Chapter 31 VA Voc. Rehab program and with the same associated supportive services. This adminstration is so far out of touch with vets it is nearly inconceivable. We vets want... no dammit! We DEMAND an effective program... not a pandering handout! We are vets, we have seen the battle, we have fought your wars! Quite wasting money and time trying to look good for a reelection and do something that will get us a job!
WAIT! Bobby,...... are you trying to say this FINE GUB'MINT program - as tiny as it is and as interestingly timed as it is - is just another cow-pooh'p POLITICAL ploy? How COULD you? heh-heh-heh
(sar'kazm off)
Actually, thanks for the truth, Bobby. Folks, WAKE UP!
Hmmmnnn, I just thought of something else, Bobby. Are you actually implying that there ARE "good" (excellently intended/written, actually directed to a deserving target group who will actually benefit themselves and society, properly and timely implemented, tightly monitored and overseen to prevent waste/abuse/fraud, and EFFECTIVE?) gub'mint programs out there?
Nah,... didn't think so. ;) Sad, isn't it.
Hate to say it but shame on the free money people who abuse the situation. Have you met any that use it as improvement in life situation to take care of themselves the rest of their life? I'm hoping some are. If not, let's cancel this one and work on a better one.
You guys must be vets?
All soliders do is bitch, bitch, bitch!
Show me a perfect, flawless human or system?
There aint none!
How about those who do good with govt programs, private businesses!
Life is what you make of it! and stop blaming and start fixing
America is good, not perfect!
Actually, 2Bad, I'm not a vet, ... simply/mostly because of the timing of my birth (my Dad is WWII Marine Sgt., though, so believe me.... I've been "trained"!..lol). However, although noble - and generally accurate - your comments/philosophy veered away from describing or applying to "the gub'mint" l-o-o-o-n-g ago. The US WAS much "better than good" (not perfect, I agree) several decades ago. These days it 95% ain't!
Unfortunately, you (and I, if I may say so) are the exception, not the rule. So many millions and millions of folks have been educated by, then used by and/or misled by "the gub'mint" (actually, political parties - particularly ONE), many/most of them are simply not capable of thinking/doing like you. It's one thing to be positive and supportive but, unfortunately, it's just as important (perhaps MORE) to be REALISTIC. I, for one, AM positive despite some of my comments here - I just hate when others try to get away with making their "true" comments/claims through deception, ignorance, or repetition, ... thereeby possibly influencing others here. Hence, sometimes I comment... like tonight.
What you don't know is that I have become involved in efforts to CHANGE this broken down, largely-corrupt system which - your experience and personal efforts aside - is rapidly tearing the country down. I appluad YOU for paying attention, being involved, and taking personal responsibility for YOU. Unfortunately, you're probably one half of one percent of those writing this type article and those "buying into" the propoganda. Obviously, just my personal opinion. Good luck to you!
I agree. Be careful what you wish for. In demand my arse. Apparently, they didn't use the current BLS information or its simply the VA being the archaic, inefficient organization that it is.
Locomotive engineers:Job Outlook, 2010-20 1% (Little or no change)
Radiation Therapists: Job Outlook, 2010-20 20% (Faster than average)
Paralegals: Job Outlook, 2010-20 18% (About as fast as average)
Petroleum Technicians: Job Outlook, 2010-20 15% (About as fast as average)
Preschool Teachers: Job Outlook, 2010-20 25% (Faster than average)
Don't be fooled by some of these statistics. These occupations haven't changed much over the years in terms of demand and pay. GO to Indeed.com and read about them in the job forums. There are always plenty of people asking about these prospects. For example, radiation therapy is much like nursing and other intermediate medicals jobs. They are flooded with new applicants who are trying to escape the unemployment lines and the industry can't support them all. Its an employers market. Hey, if you're eligible, then you may as well try the program and get some of that money before it's wasted somewhere else. You might get lucky.
Bobby live, I'm also a vet, I also work in education and have signed up a number of folks for this program from the local homeless shelter. The majority of them are here in class now. They've got some hope now. They feel good and I feel good helping them. Always gonna have some "uninspired" freeloaders, but so far there's only been a few. I have a question for you if you will. I was asked the other day if a student had to pay back the money they've already received if they were to drop out after a while. I know the benefits will cease upon notification by the school, but what about what's already been payed? Appreciate your experience in this.
Term,
I am sorry that you had a bad experience with a govt agency sometime in your life, which by reading your post, you might need to seek some counseling pain issues?
Pre School teacher? With the GOP doing everything the can do to cut education funding and budgets? Sure sounds like a waste pf educational training dollars to me!
Yeah,... you have a point, Kevin. IF the system and instructors are "teacher's union controlled". heh-heh-heh. You've not actually logically researched or thought about any of this yourself, have you?
*&#@$ 'ing RePUBlicans! ;)
Term,
Keep up the good work, hopefully the govt will train me to be as good as you?
Thanks repubs, dems and Hussein Obama for the training and extra Beer & Meth Money!
So,... somehow, somewhere in the White House "team Obama" has one calculation showing them possibly losing by 35,999 votes. ;)
Here is another issue with military people getting out. All those great technical jobs that the military will train you in and give you experience? Can't use any of it when you get out. Quite often you are given military certifications that do not qualify you to do anything in the civilian workforce. You can go through all the advanced military training to function some where between a Dr and a paramedic and have incomparable experience. And yet you cannot even qualify for a minimum wage nurses assistance job. You can be trained in the leading edge of aircraft electronic technology, and not have the civilian certification to so much as touch an aircraft.
There are issues like these in every field. Best I can tell is that this is done intentionally to boost retention. Hard to think about getting out when you know that all you can get is a min. wage job and starting all over again as if you were 18, (to relearn everything you were just taught). The military folks go throught the same and quite often more stringent requirements as thier civilian counterparts. If the government were truly concerned about military folks having jobs when they get out then this practice of failing to issue transferable certifications should be stopped. I won't hold my breath though.
Work as a guard in california prison systems, the unions pay well!
Paramed, I'm sorry you felt like you had to write this to make your (excellent) point - I feel for you and your fellow vets (assuming you are). When I see this kind of stuff it breaks my heart, ..... and P'izzez me OFF to no end. The problem w believing in and/or relying on ANYTHING "gub'mint" is represented by your story: whether intentions are good or not (I mostly believ NOT these days -sorry) a program planned by, implemented by, managed by, accounted for by, and "monitored/reviewed by" almost ANY part of the Washington gub'mint (and several of the largest states... cough - cough, ..Lake Michigan and nearby Great Lake states?,.. Atlantic/Pacific oceans?,) is doomed to fail miserably. Quickly they get off track, are "lost" in the shuffle, are corrupted, or are simply expanded WAY beyond original (and mostly useful/helpful) purpose. This situation, for example, brings to mind a way past its intended purpose/benefits Affirmative action program (I can hear the "ra-sist" cries now. You're WRONG) and/or unuionization. I hear you on the forced retention thing, but even if not, it's hard to get a job IF you're perfectly qualified but you're "behind" from the beginning (AA) and/or far inferior workers stay in place forever because they're "protected". The whole dayum system has gotten so far out of control - or corrupted - that it skews most things AGAINST the common, hard-working, law-abiding, self/others-respecting, proud of - and thankful for - their accomplishments folks like you're describing here. Even more reprehensible is how one particular party has sold millions and millions of folks a BILL OF GOODS but has them convinced the party is "on their side" and "helping them". The possible good news is, though, that it seems more and more folks are beginning to understand this,.... that they are being USED. Some might say I'm cynical but I'm really not - I'm fairly intelligent, I'm not easily distracted by Kardashians, Dancing w Stars, American Idol, etc., and I simply pay attention. I try hard to focus on truly important things and I research EVERYTHING for myself (i.e., I QUESTION anything/everything I see/hear/read). These days, anyone who relies on someone else - especially politicians, or who believes "trust us" is a fool. Hey, i just calls 'em like I sees 'em. :)
I used to be in the Air Force, and had one of those jobs paramed described - no real civilian counterpart WITHOUT additional training/college. Well, I'd say that's what the G.I. bill is for, to help close that gap. There was no G.I. bill when I was in (feels like 1,000 yrs ago, but early 1980's), but they still had a program where the Air Force would match my contributions to an education fund. I believe I had somewhere between $6-$9,000 for college, which in the early 1980's went alot farther than it does today. I did okay by it, didn't make a fortune but I've always been able to find work.
This is a good deal for my fellow veterans, I hope they that need this help take advantage of it.
@ totherepublic: You could say the same about the Iraq war --- and then some.
This is one time I can say the dems and repubs in congress, plus the president did something right for a change!
I am going to school under the program and hopefully can land a civilian job in germany working for the department of defense.
Using veterans preference and home loan certificate maybe!
Show me a perfect, flawless human or system?
There aint none!
How about those who do good with govt programs, private businesses!
Life is what you make of it! and stop blaming and start fixing
America is good, not perfect
I mean, wasn't this (developing high demand job skills) what they were promised initially from their service? Oops...
Take advantage of this as fast as you can. Veteran's benefits change fast and often.
Yeah they just keep making easier to file Fraudulent Claims for Disability so all the Faking Malingerers can get their Monthly Checks. Don't need Rehabilitation they want MONEY FAKERS.
Seems as though the author, Rebecca Ruiz, might have investigated this program more thouroughly before she wrote this Obama puff piece.
See "Bobby Live" comments, above. The program has been out for months, but Obama is re-announcing it now at the Republican Convention.
Hope people realize that dems and repubs worked on this program and was signed by the president.
DREWS
This site won't allow links at: gibill.custhelp.com and it would be in the Q&A. This said, if it doesn't work Google: What if you can't afford to pay the debt back?
Answer ID 1271 | Published 10/28/2009 07:03 AM | Updated 03/10/2011 09:23 AM
Thank you for working with these vets. This is what I'm saying, there needs to be an engaged support system to hold them accountable and provide the encouragement to keep them on track. Keep up the good fight! Don't let them quit!
Sometimes a person who has been self-treating a condition for years simply isn't ready to go back into training without intervention and real medical treatment to get them where they need to be to move forward. They need that foundation, oversight, and lifestyle training to enable a successful transition and reintegration into society. Billions of dollars on unguided initiatives will not help if you don't treat the problem with an effective cure.
I predict the next big move will be a "housing first" initiative where they will take the homeless vet, bypass the treatment and rehabilitation program, and put them in a house with limited or no accountability. They will then say, "Look! We've solved the Homeless veterans problem in 5 years! Vote for ME!" All we have to do is ignore them slowly dying in their government provided housing unit. As I said before, "inconceivable".
I think the civilian sector needs to take into account a person's military background and training. A soldier can spend years performing certain skills and be certified and even get an Excellent from Jhaco and assume getting a job when leaving the service will be a piece of cake. Only to find out the truth, it doesn't matter how skilled you are, it only matters if you went to an 'accredited school'. The US military is an 'accredited school'!