What is the VET TEC program and is it right for you?
We have great news for our many friends in the military who are looking to transition to a civilian career, and that is that VET TEC is back! In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the program, as well as help you determine if it’s right for you, and how to get started.
What is VET TEC?
Part of the Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act, also known as the "Forever GI Bill®, the Veteran Employment Through Technology Education Courses (VET TEC) program was created for Non-College Degree (NCD) schools to help veterans get the technology skills they need to join some of the fastest-growing industries in the United States.
VET TEC is a tuition and housing assistance program designed to help veterans get short-term technology training without using their GI Bill® benefits. VET TEC benefits cover classes in five different rapidly growing areas: information science, computer programming, data processing, media applications, and computer software.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill® program was created to provide enough funds for veterans to get a traditional degree, generally at a 4-year institution. The GI Bill® allows veterans to train anywhere they see value but makes them responsible for seeing that their money is well spent.
VET TEC, on the other hand, doesn’t use up any of a veteran’s GI Bill® funding. Schools that participate must show that graduates are able to secure gainful employment (as the VA defines it) for the school to be fully reimbursed for the student’s tuition. This means that only programs with strong and verifiable employment outcomes can participate in VET TEC.
Program Eligibility
You just need to ask yourself one question to see if you could be eligible:
Are you a military veteran with at least one day of unexpired GI Bill® entitlement?
If you answered yes to the above question, you’re most likely eligible for VET TEC. To be sure, apply for the VET TEC program here. Who is a good fit for the program? Are you a military veteran interested in working in:
- Information science
- Computer programming
- Data processing
- Media applications
- Computer software
If so, VET TEC may be a good fit for you. You’ll also need to be ready to work hard on training and studying with the training provider you choose. This program is a great way to fund your training, but you’ll need to put in the hours required to learn new skills and prove to employers that you have what it takes to do the job. You’ll also have to gear up for the job hunt. Training providers are not placement agencies. While they can help you with your resume and job search, in most cases they won’t be able to directly offer you a job.
It’s also important to take a look at the VET TEC site and find a training provider in your area. How does VET TEC compare to the GI Bill®? Here are some of the differences and similarities between the GI Bill® and the VET TEC program:
- Students training with VET TEC will receive a form of Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA), like the GI Bill®.
- VET TEC does not deplete your GI Bill® funds. After finishing VET TEC training, you can still utilize your GI Bill® funds later.
- VET TEC funds training for short-term technology and trade schools, while the GI Bill® can be used for these schools or traditional degree-granting colleges and universities.
- Eligibility for these programs is not identical. Active-duty service members, Transfer of Entitlement [TOE] spouses, and some others are ineligible for VET TEC.
- The VET TEC program has more limited funding which runs out quickly each year.
- Veterans must attend as a full-time student to make use of VET TEC.
- For a school to receive the VET TEC student’s tuition reimbursement, the student must graduate and find appropriate employment as defined by the VA. This ensures that schools with verifiable employment outcomes continue to participate in the program, while schools whose training doesn’t result in graduation and employment won’t be eligible to continue accepting VET TEC students.
Does ACI Learning accept VET TEC benefits?
ACI Learning is listed as a VET TEC Training Provider on the Department of Veterans Affairs website, and is approved to receive reimbursement through the VET TEC program! If you’re interested in training with us, just click the link below.
After you get approval from the VA, we'll walk you through the ACI Learning approval process to make sure you're a good fit for the program.
Approved Programs
How do I work with the VA to participate in this program? You’ll just need to apply for VET TEC benefits on the VA website.
Are you interested in training with ACI Learning?
ACI Learning offers short-term training for those interested in information technology, cybersecurity, networking, and IT support. For those with little to no IT experience, we offer a Computer User Support Specialist program that gives students a strong foundation in IT skills. This program includes training for four certifications that are in high demand with tech employers: ITIL®*, CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+. After completing our program, students will be well positioned to start a role in IT and move into more specialized positions in cyber security, networking, or IT, depending on their interest.
To ensure student success in the classroom, ACI Learning offers a suite of online resources that students can use to review the material and increase their skills before taking the certification exam. Each Learning Hub has an Instructor Mentor on staff, available for 1-on-1 study sessions to help support our students as needed. All our instructors have years of industry experience and teach not just what is needed to pass the exam, but what students need to know to excel in the workplace.
Finally, ACI Learning graduates work with our Employment Development Managers to make sure they find a great job after their training and exams are complete. Your Employment Development Manager will meet with you and help you create a killer resume and an eye-catching cover letter. They’ll give you interview tips and advice and practice mock interviewing with you so that you can interview with confidence!
