The Department of Veterans Affairs is accepting applications for the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program.
The VET TEC program, part of the new Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the "Forever GI Bill," is meant to help veterans get the cutting-edge skills they need to succeed in today's high-tech industries.
Who Is Eligible for VET TEC?
Anyone currently eligible to use their GI Bill benefits -- Montgomery or Post-9/11 -- is qualified for the program as long as they haven't passed the time limit to use their benefits and have at least one day of benefits remaining.
Unlike most GI Bill programs, any training received as part of VET TEC will not decrease your GI Bill entitlement in any way. It is essentially free money.
What Can You Use VET TEC For?
According to the VA, VET TEC will pay you a housing allowance and take care of tuition costs, just like the Post-9/11 GI Bill. The difference is that you have to take classes in one of five areas:
- Information science
- Computer programming
- Data processing
- Media applications
- Computer software
The primary difference between this type of training and the more conventional college or certification courses is that the terms are much shorter, sometimes requiring only months or weeks to gain certification.
Limited Funding
VET TEC is a pilot program and, as such, there are limited funds available for use. The VA says that it has an initial funding level of $15 million annually. Once that money runs out, the program closes for the year.
Since funds are limited, veterans will be eligible on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is gone. If you're interested in the program, you should apply as soon as possible.
For more information, including how to apply, and to find a list of approved training locations, visit the VA's VET TEC webpage.
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