Vets retraining program accepting applications
Published: May 16, 2012
WASHINGTON — Department of Veterans Affairs officials this week began accepting applications for the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program, part of Congress’ effort last year to help unemployed veterans back into the workforce.
The program , which will begin July 1, is aimed at veterans aged 35 to 60 who need new or updated work skills in today’s tough job market. It offers a $1,473 stipend to participants enrolled in college or technical school classes, as a way to help them make ends meet while they are retrained.
The idea was spearheaded last year by House Republicans who worried that veteran unemployment efforts focused too much on returning servicemembers from Iraq and Afghanistan. House Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller, R-Fla., noted this week that those over the age of 35 make up more than two-thirds of all veterans looking for work.
“Too many unemployed veterans who did not expect to have to begin a second career at this stage of their life are now faced with the need for new skills to compete in this struggling economy,” he said in a statement.
The program is limited to 45,000 participants for the first three months, and will add 54,000 more in October. Veterans who qualify will receive the living stipend for up to 12 months, and the Department of Labor will offer employment assistance to those veterans when their studies are complete.
For more information, visit the VA’s web site.
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