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New law helps returning soldiers get jobs

Alexandria Echo Press

October 1, 2011

 

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar today announced that legislation to help returning soldiers get good jobs goes into effect this week on October 1.

The provision, which was included in the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Improvements Act, allows veterans to apply their G.I. benefits to job training and apprenticeship programs in addition to standard college courses. More than one in four U.S. veterans aged 20-24 are currently without a job.

“Not every returning soldier chooses to go to college, but they should still be able to get a good job when they come home,” Klobuchar said. “With the implementation of this provision, our veterans will be able to get the training and certification they need to get a good job in whichever field they choose.”

Prior to passage of this provision, veterans were only allowed to use their Post-9/11 G.I. Bill education benefits for “programs of education” with a curriculum or combination of courses at an approved institution of higher learning. Upon implementation of this provision, veterans will be able to use their educational benefits to obtain workforce experience through job training and apprenticeship programs if they choose.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for administering these benefits under the larger Post-9/11 G.I. Bill program. Once veterans have applied for their G.I. Bill benefits from the VA, they will be able to enroll in on-the-job-training and apprenticeship programs and receive a monthly benefit to cover books, supplies, equipment and other educational costs, as well as a monthly housing stipend.