Employment Compass

May 2019

Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses

On February 15, 2019, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it is inviting training providers to participate in a new pilot program to prepare Veterans for careers in the high-tech workforce.

The Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program, for which Veterans can apply beginning in April, is designed to give Veterans more options and access to nontraditional training to acquire skills in information technology, computer software, information science, media application, data processing, and computer programming fields.

“We are invested in ensuring Veterans make successful transitions into their post-military career,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. “We are excited to partner with successful training providers who will help pave the way for Veterans seeking meaningful employment in their field of study.”

VET TEC training providers will have access to student Veterans who are motivated, hard-working team players. They will operate under an incentivized payment structure designed to ensure Veterans complete their training and land good jobs. The structure includes the following:

• When Veterans begin their courses, VA will pay the training provider 25 percent of tuition and mandatory fees.
• When a Veteran graduates, VA will pay another 25 percent of the tuition and mandatory fees.
• When a Veteran lands a job in his or her area of study and training, VA will pay the last 50 percent of tuition and mandatory fees.
• Veterans will receive a monthly housing stipend while in training.

 The VET TEC webpage provides additional requirements and application instructions. VA will review applications from training providers to ensure proposed programs meet VET TEC criteria. Selected training providers will be notified in early spring.

Career Readiness- Training & Education

Free Business Startup Workshop

Boots to Business Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).  The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Veterans of all eras, Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and spouses are eligible to participate. Boots to Business will be conducting a free business startup workshop on Friday, June 14, 2019 that is free to attend.  

To find out more about this program, just click to open the attached Boots to Business flyer.

Upcoming Job/Resource Fairs

PA Careerlink is hosting a Manufacturing Job and Career Fair on Wednesday, May 22 in Monaca, PA.

 Pennsylvania's 16^th Congressional District Veterans Resource Fair will take place on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. at the Downtown Mall in Meadville, 900 Water Street, Meadville, PA 16335.   All Veterans, Active Duty service members and Family Members are welcome to attend.  Please click on the Veterans Resource Fair Flyer for more details.

Employment Opportunities

Carpenter's Latrobe Specialty Metals

Carpenter's Latrobe Specialty Metals operations, based in Latrobe, PA, manufactures high-performance specialty alloys serving aerospace, energy and other demanding markets.    Latrobe Specialty Metals in Latrobe, PA has multiple vacancies, from internships and entry level roles to experienced technical jobs and management positions.   Interested applicants can review the list of multiple vacancies, then click on the specific position within the Portable Document Format (PDF) to obtain specific information regarding how to apply.  For those outside the Latrobe, PA area, Carpenter's also has a variety of job openings available throughout the United States.  Visit their website for a full list of available positions throughout the US.   Dollar Bank Dollar Bank has a multitude of job openings in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Candidates should visit Dollar Bank's Open Positions page at www.dollar.bank/careers to apply. Links for Job-Seekers to Bookmark! Please be sure to regularly review USA Jobs & PACareer Link  as new jobs are posted daily! Vibrant Pittsburgh's mission is to build a thriving and inclusive Pittsburgh region by attracting, retaining, and elevating a diversity of talent.  Through collaboration with and support of human resource departments, corporate recruiters, professional organizations and non-profits, Vibrant Pittsburgh is committed to bringing the best talent on earth to our region. PA Serves offers service members, Veterans and their families access to a class-leading continuum of providers that runs the gamut from superior housing and emergency service providers to employment, recreation and fitness, financial capabilities and more!

VA Welcome Kit

Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you to the benefits and services you’ve earned.

Based on where you are in life, your VA benefits and services can support you in different ways. Keep your welcome kit handy so you can turn to it throughout your life—like when it’s time to go to school, get a job, buy a house, get health care, retire, or make plans for your care as you age.

Feel free to share this guide with friends or family members who need help with their benefits too. Download your VA Welcome Kit and print out copies for yourself and others!

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