Apprenticeships For Veterans

For eligible veterans, apprenticeship offers special opportunities. The Nebraska State Approving Agency (SAA) has been contracted by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to approve GI Bill programs in the State of Nebraska for veterans and other eligible persons. Each state has an SAA whose function is to inspect, approve, and supervise qualified educational programs as well as on-the-job training and apprenticeship programs for GI Bill purposes. Eligible individuals under the GI Bill may choose to learn by working on the job. The State’s approval is required before veterans and other eligible persons can receive their GI Bill benefits. Work experience in the occupation can be counted toward the credits required for skilled worker status.

For more information, please contact:

Brad Dirksen, Program Director
PPCS-VE
Phone: 402.471.4825
Brad.dirksen@nebraska.gov

Chelsea Reese, Veterans Education Specialist
PPCS-VE
Phone: 402.471.4826
chelseahoodreese@nebraska.gov

Yvette Martin, Staff Assistant
PPCS-VE
Phone: 402.471.4827
Yvette.martin@nebraska.gov

Nebraska Department of Education Veterans Links – http://www.education.ne.gov/PPCS/VE_Links.html

OJT/Apprenticeship Opportunities – http://www.gibill.va.gov/resources/education_resources/choosing_a_school.html

Helmets to Hardhats

Helmets to Hardhats is a national program that connects transitioning active-duty and reserve-component members with training and employment opportunities with the construction industry.

The statewide, direct-entry program provides a common agreement between Building and Construction Trades, Joint Apprenticeship Training Councils, locals (at their discretion) and Helmets to Hardhats leaders to support candidates in that state. The program allows candidates to start construction careers soon after they apply, and also gives them credit for military training and experience.

The intent of the program is to help those with military experience get hired in civilian construction trades that the program’s organizers claim are facing a critical labor shortage.

Military personnel interested in a construction career should visit www.helmetstohardhats.org or call 866.741.6210. You may also talk to your local One Stop Veteran’s Representative.