The House of Representatives is deliberating on a veterans' benefits bill that aims to provide comprehensive support. Despite initial bipartisan enthusiasm, the bill has stalled in the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs and has yet to advance. A significant component of this bill, highlighted by Suzette Kent and co-author Ken Eisner, is the VET TEC program.
VET TEC began as a pilot in 2019 to target the issue of veteran underemployment by offering training that aligns with fast-growing tech fields, enhancing economic mobility for veterans. This program has seen success, with over 14,000 veterans participating and around half securing jobs in technology with competitive salaries. It provides an essential pathway for veterans who have transitioned from military service to a high-demand tech role.
The proposed bill aims to extend and improve the VET TEC program, addressing areas of improvement and expanding opportunities. Its success could set a precedent for future federal initiatives in career training, underscoring the importance of investing in programs that bridge veterans' skills with civilian job markets.
Read the full article in RealClearEducation here.