Ciscomani Pushes to Expand Veterans’ Access to Skilled Trade Educational Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani, a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, reintroduced a bipartisan effort to expand veterans’ access to educational opportunities for high demand skilled trade and vocational programs. 

 

The Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act (H.R. 1458), would extend educational benefits in the post-9/11 GI Bill to include both in-person and partially online (or hybrid) versions of skilled trade training programs. 

 

“When our veterans hang up their uniform and transition back into civilian life, it is our duty to repay their service by ensuring they have the support they need to succeed,” said Ciscomani, who represents nearly 80,000 veterans. “My commonsense bill would expand the benefits veterans earned to cover the costs of high-skilled training programs. This not only improves the way veterans access their benefits, it also sets them up for success and helps tackle the current workforce shortage in skilled trades. 

 

Ciscomani is joined by Reps. Don Davis (D-NC) and Richard Hudson (R-NC) in this effort.  

 

“We must ensure our veterans have access to opportunities that will set them up for success in the workforce,” said Davis. “To that end, it is time for Congress to support common-sense legislation like the VETS Opportunity Act, which will give back to those who sacrificed so much for our nation.” 

 

This legislation is supported by the following organizations: Pipeline AZ, and the National Association of State Approving Agencies (NASAA) 

 

"As CEO of Pipeline AZ and a proud member of our Vet Council, I am thrilled to express my full support for the Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act introduced by Congressman Ciscomani,” said Amber Smith, the CEO of Pipeline AZ and a member of Ciscomani’s Veterans Advisory Council. “This legislation is a crucial step towards empowering our veterans with the education and skills they need to thrive in today's workforce. With 80% of jobs not requiring a college education but demanding additional skill sets, initiatives like the VETS Opportunity Act are essential in bridging the gap between education and employment. By expanding post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility to include high-quality, partially online certificate programs in in-demand trades, such as welding, CNC machining, and HVACR, this legislation ensures that our veterans have access to opportunities that align with the needs of State and local employers. I commend Congressman Ciscomani for his leadership in championing policies that promote workforce development and provide our veterans with the tools they need to succeed in fulfilling careers. Pipeline AZ stands ready to support this important legislation and the veterans it aims to serve." 

 

“As gatekeepers of quality and engineers of innovation, State approving agencies welcome the integration and use of online methodologies by accredited institutions to deliver high quality education and training which result in real jobs for our Veterans and service members,” said NASAA. “NASAA is pleased to support this legislation.” 

 

Find full text of the bill here.