Why Workforce Grants Matter for Veterans
WIOA for veterans offers mutual benefits for both veterans and employers: veterans gain access to training that helps them find meaningful work after service, and employers gain the skilled workforce needed to power business.
For veterans specifically, workforce grants are especially helpful if you’ve used all your GI Bill® benefits or couldn’t access military credentialing assistance during service. Under regulations, veterans continue to have priority access to grants, which means you get bumped to the front of the line for these funds.
You can access these grants through American Job Centers in each state, which typically administer funding at a local level. Despite priority access, you must still meet eligibility criteria, either through the Dislocated Workers Program or through the Adult Income-Eligible Program.
These programs have some basic eligibility criteria and are for those who are:
- Exiting or have exited the military
- A returning veteran within the last 48 months
- Receiving Public Assistance or earning a low income
Veteran workforce training funding is usually available only once you’ve exhausted all your other training benefits and may be used for healthcare and IT training programs. You’ll need to complete an assessment or interview and career planning with the job center as part of your qualification.
How Workforce Grants Differ From GI Bill® and Military Credentialing Assistance
The GI Bill® and military credentialing assistance benefits are military or Veterans Affairs programs tied to your military service. This means you are only eligible for benefits and funding under these programs if you have served a specific number of years or are currently serving.
Workforce grants, on the other hand, are separate, civilian funding options available to several groups of people, including veterans. The specifics of your military service are less important, except to prove that you’re exiting or have left service.
One of the many upsides of workforce grants is that you don’t have to choose between civilian funding or military and VA benefits. You may be able to take advantage of all of them, especially if you’ve already used up your GI or CA funding. Workforce grants can complement those you’ve already used.
However, the best bet is to verify your eligibility and what’s available in your state with your local American Job Center. An interview and career planning appointment can quickly help you find your best options.
Getting Started With MedCerts
Skills training is often a first step into a new career, and there are many funding paths available. In particular, as a veteran, you may have more veteran career training benefits available than you realize. It makes sense to take advantage of as many as you can.
MedCerts offers programs in healthcare and IT, fully online and self-paced and eligible for workforce grants. You don’t need any prior healthcare or IT experience for most of our entry-level programs, and you can study from the comfort of your own space, on your own schedule. Connect to one of our Education Consultants to learn more.
