Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program helps Veterans unemployed due to the COVID pandemic train and find jobs

Charmain Bogue — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:18:03 -0400

Are you a Veteran who is unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic? Do you need to go to school to retool or upskill to help you find meaningful employment? The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in partnership with the Department of Labor (DOL) has a new program, the Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP), that may help you: https://rly.pt/3ySASA9

VRRAP was enacted on March 11, as part of the American Rescue Plan: https://rly.pt/3r8xK08 , a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package with aid targeted to help individuals and businesses recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible Veterans who participate in VRRAP will receive up to 12 months of tuition and fees and a monthly housing allowance based on Post-9/11 GI Bill® rates.

The program covers education and training programs approved under the GI Bill, as well as the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) pilot program that lead to high-demand jobs. These training programs include associate degrees, non-college degrees, and certificate programs. The provided training cannot lead to a bachelors or graduate degree.

More than 400 schools and VET TEC Training Providers from 30 states are participating in VRRAP and offering Veterans over 2,800 training programs. Approved educational institutions include community colleges, VET TEC IT bootcamps, and vocational schools offering certifications in aircraft maintenance and trade skills.

DOL determined the high-demand jobs - https://rly.pt/3r8xLkI - for VRRAP which consists of nearly 300 careers including those in fields such as computers and mathematics, as well as healthcare. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics - https://rly.pt/2Ta28eg -, jobs in the computer and mathematical industries are expected to grow 11-27%, respectively, from 2019 to 2029. Additionally, as the demand for qualified healthcare professionals continues to grow, Veterans interested in these fields have the opportunity to earn an annual salary of $50,000 - https://rly.pt/3rdSqnF - or more with an associate’s degree. Through VRRAP, Veterans can gain the skills and education they need to accomplish their goals in order find long-lasting, meaningful employment.

To qualify for VRRAP, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 22 years old, but not older than 66, and
- Unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and
- Not rated as totally disabled because you cannot work, and
- Not be eligible for GI Bill or Veteran Readiness and Employment - https://rly.pt/36vehh1 benefits at time you apply for VRRAP, and
- Not enrolled in a federal or state jobs program

You can't receive VRRAP benefits at the same time as you're receiving unemployment benefits (including CARES Act benefits).

VA is accepting applications (https://rly.pt/3hzKyJP) from Veterans interested in VRRAP, including those with Other than Honorable (OTH) discharges.

If you have any questions about VRRAP or your GI Bill benefits, please contact the Education Call Center at: [login to see] between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday.
VRRAP ends December 2022 or when the program reaches its maximum funding cap of $386 million.

Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) | | Veterans Affairs

The Veteran Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP) offers education and training for high-demand jobs to Veterans who are unemployed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Keep reading to find out if you’re eligible and how to apply.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jul 13 at 2021 7:32 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 19:32:05 -0400

Charmain Bogue Fortunately I don't need retraining but I am glad the V.A. is assisting those who need it.

Response by SPC David Batterson made Jul 17 at 2021 10:09 PM

SPC David Batterson — Sat, 17 Jul 2021 22:09:02 -0400

No veteran should have to remain unemployed. This is an excellent program, which is needed.

Response by TSgt Ann Smith made Jul 20 at 2021 4:47 AM

TSgt Ann Smith — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 04:47:37 -0400

This program has lots of shortfall. I wish they just gave the Forever GI bill to all of us, especially me, someone who actually deployed to the Golf War and not just born during that time! You more than likely wont live near the short list of schools that offer your program so there goes a chunk of your BHA, or you won't find a school offering you what exactly you are looking for. Plus the program only give us only a year and they started approving us in the MIDDLE of a missed Spring semester! (So that leaves only 3 semesters left but most schools only offer 2 semesters a year "Summer and Spring of next year" and we all already missed this Spring semester-Thanks VA!) I am looking for Graphics design that is focused on "Animation", not photoshop and illustrator. I'm gonna have to beg this one school "Western Iowa Tech" to offer their "Video Game Design diploma degree through VRRAP". They are on the list but funny they only offer the longer 4 semester Assoc. degree in Graphics Design through VRRAP, which you wont finish in time! Sessions College offers a "Digital Media Certificate" but it will be only be 16.5 credit hours for me because I've already taken some of those classes before with them, Split that into 2 semesters and that's less than full-time student $$! This will force me to concentrate more on a job instead of studies. Sessions is going to get the most VRRAP design students, but the students won't be happy unless you already have some knowledge in Adobe. You have to read a lot on your own, then try to follow the steps on your own. Yeah, so, just look up how to do it (better) on YouTube. It's the only way you will pass and have some real-life knowledge of the subject. Most of the time depending on what you take, there will be NO exams, so it's an easy school to pass, but knowledge-wise..."C+". The reading and teaching method makes the most exciting subject BOARING! Like Logo design-How the heck do you make that boring-well, THEY do! Unfortunately I am going to have to end up back there if I can't get into Iowa online. Limited list-Limited time-Limited choice-Limited money.