Vets Job Training Program Will Help Economy Thrive

Press Release

Congressman Charles B. Rangel today applauded the announcement made by the U.S. Department of Labor that the agency will award $12 million in grants through its Veterans' Workforce Investment Program (VWIP) to provide job training and skills development services to help veterans succeed in civilian careers.

"America's brave military men and women deserve our thanks for their courage, dedication and patriotism," Rangel said. "We are all indebted to the military families that make tremendous sacrifices on our behalf. These grants will help ensure that our returning heroes enjoy a smooth transition into civilian life."

The Labor Department will award at least 10 grants in 10 states to support approximately 6,000 veterans overcome employment barriers and ease their transition into unsubsidized jobs. Through VWIP, veterans receive skills assessments, individual job counseling, labor market information, classroom or on-the-job training, skills upgrading, placement assistance and crucial follow-up services. Veterans may also be eligible for services through other Workforce Investment Act programs for economically disadvantaged or dislocated workers.

Funds are being awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. Grantees must be familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs.

Said Rangel: "There is no deeper source of talented, hardworking, dedicated personnel than returning soldiers. Any company or organization would be lucky to have these men and women in their ranks. Who understands teamwork better than the Marine who daily entrusts his life to his enlisted brothers and sisters? Who is more dedicated than the cadet who drifts off to sleep studying every night and rises at dusk to Reveille? And who learns faster than the Navy pilot who commands at 1500 miles per hour the most advanced aircraft in the world?"

"I am thrilled that the VWIP is funding programs to help these exceptional individuals transfer their military skills to the domestic workforce. Our nation's economy will reap the benefits for decades to come," Rangel added.

Rangel is the author of H.R. 2046 - Mandatory Transition Assistance Act, which requires returning soldiers to receive training in job acquisition skills such as resume preparation, interview techniques, job search and salary negotiations; it also assigns all military personnel a counselor or case worker to provide one-on-one service.

More information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs for Veterans can be found at www.dol.gov/vets. The solicitation for grant applications is available at www.dol.gov/vets/programs/vwip/main.htm.

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