What's involved in military veteran job training programs?

I'm considering joining the military and am curious about job training programs available afterward. How do these programs work for veterans? Do they provide certifications or college credits? Any insight would be appreciated.

Many former service members take advantage of job training programs to transition into the civilian sector. The programs available can be quite varied, focusing on different industries and skill sets.

Firstly, there's the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program facilitated by the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA). The VR&E program offers counseling, job training, and additional services like resume building and job seeking skills coaching. Eligibility generally lies with service members who have a service-related disability.

For those interested in higher education or special training, the Post-9/11 GI Bill is definitely worth considering. The GI Bill, which can cover the full cost of an in-state, undergraduate education at a public school, can be used for many training programs – from boot camps and coding programs to vocational training at a trade school. If the program leads to a degree or a certificate at an accredited college, it may qualify.

Transition Assistance Programs (TAP) are also a key resource. TAP offers workshops to help with the transition to a civilian career, providing skills like resume writing, job search strategies, and interview techniques.

Furthermore, the United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) lets active-duty Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy members complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while on active duty. The apprenticeship program uses the skills acquired through military training and job experience to count towards certification.

Finally, there are also numerous private and not-for-profit initiatives designed to help veterans upskill or break into new fields. These include programs like BreakLine and Shift.org which focus on technology careers, and Helmets to Hardhats for construction careers. These are generally open to any military veteran, regardless of disability status.

Each of these programs can provide credentials that are valued in the civilian workforce. However, whether that translates to college credits would depend on the specific program and the policies of the educational institution. Many schools and colleges do recognize and award credits for military training, but practices vary.

Keep in mind that each program varies by military branch, benefits, and eligibility, so be sure to contact a program directly or speak with a counselor from the VA's Education and Career Counseling program for the most accurate information.