Program aims to train veterans for jobs

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - A disabled Army veteran, William Neal has dedicated his life to caring for his fellow service members.

Neal works at Workforce Escarosa assisting veterans in finding jobs. Since hearing about the Veteran Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP) two weeks ago, he's been actively working to raise awareness.

"This may open up another door to people that can't fit in those boxes that get them the training they need," Neal said.

Two departments, Labor and Veterans Affairs, have teamed up to give unemployed veterans between the ages of 35 and 60 one year of job training.

But as this is a national program, Neal wants to make sure vets have that in mind when they apply.

"Do some research on what occupation you're going to pick. Make sure there are jobs in this area," Neal said.

VRAP gives one 12 months at a community college technical school, beginning after July 1. But it must stand alone; the veteran can't also draw from another federal program like the Workforce Investment Act.

Neal said jobs were found for more than half of the over 66,000 veterans looking for work in the state of Florida last year.

But he expects 2012 to be tougher, and veteran unemployment numbers to rise, due to the state of the economy and the fact that more troops are returning home.

"You have a lot of people in the military that go disabled serving their country," Neal said.  "And things have changed. They've become unemployed; they're getting older. They cannot perform the jobs that they were doing, and this training would help tremendously."

VRAP not only gives veterans a second chance, but follows up.

Less than 30 days after the training, they'll be aided in finding jobs with their new skill.

"Veterans help gain our freedom in this country," Neal said.  "They serve, they put their lives on the line, they do a lot of things that give us our everyday freedoms and I think they deserve it."

To qualify Veterans must:

• Be 35-60 years old, unemployed on the day of application, and not dishonorably discharged;
• Start education or training after July 1, 2012, in a VA-approved program of education offered by a community college or technical school leading to an associate degree, non-college degree or a certificate for a high-demand occupation as defined by the DOL;
• Not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g. Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment);
• Not be enrolled in a federal or state job training program within the last 180 days;
• Not receive VA compensation at the 100% rate due to individual unemployability (IU).

Those interested should also know their direct deposit information, the name and location of their school, the program they wish to pursue and the occupation it applies to.

For more information on VOW, VRAP, high demand occupations, and how to apply, veterans may go to the website or call VA’s Call Centers toll free at 1-800-827-1000, veterans may also access the VRAP application online through eBenefits, a joint project between the Department of Defense and VA.