Empowering Our Heroes: The Life-Changing Advantages of VTEC for Veterans

Transitioning from the military to civilian can be a difficult journey for many. The transition comes with many challenges that civilians are often not aware of. One of those challenges is finding a job. After anywhere from 4 to 20+ years in the military, Veterans often find it very difficult to figure out where they fit in.

There are many programs in place, though, that can be of assistance. Some of the programs include Skiillbridge, Veterans to Farmers, and the subject of today’s post, Veterans to Energy Careers.

The Veterans to Energy Careers (VTEC) program is designed to facilitate the transition of military veterans into sustainable energy careers through a partnership between higher education, government, and industry. Established initially as the Energy System Technology Evaluation Program (ESTEP) in 2012, VTEC expanded and was officially launched in 2018 to provide broader support, particularly focusing on roles within the Department of the Navy and related energy sectors.

VTEC offers paid internships, professional development, and one-on-one mentorship to help veterans translate their military skills into civilian careers in STEM fields. These internships often result in significant job offers prior to graduation, with a reported success rate of over 99% of participants receiving job offers.

Funding from organizations like the Office of Naval Research has enabled VTEC to grow, providing a larger number of internships and expanding its reach to more veterans across various locations. A recent $6 million grant from the Department of Defense will further expand these opportunities, highlighting the program’s effectiveness and the ongoing demand for skilled workers in the sustainable energy sector.

VTEC is also very specific about eligibility, requiring participants to be U.S. citizens, DoD veterans, full-time students maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, and able to commit at least one year to the program.

This initiative not only helps veterans find meaningful careers but also supports the energy industry by supplying highly trained and experienced individuals who can contribute to the advancement of energy technologies and sustainability efforts.

The Veterans to Energy Careers (VTEC) program is important for several reasons:

1. Career Transition for Veterans: It provides a structured pathway for veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as business and social sciences related to energy. This transition support is crucial for veterans who often face challenges adapting their skills to civilian roles.

2. Addressing Workforce Shortages: The program helps address the ongoing shortage in the STEM workforce. By preparing veterans for careers in sustainable energy, VTEC not only aids individual career progression but also meets broader industry needs for skilled professionals.

3. Utilizing Veteran Skills: Veterans possess unique skills and experiences that are highly valuable in the energy sector, such as leadership, problem-solving, and discipline. VTEC leverages these attributes, aligning them with academic and career goals to enhance the nation’s energy sector workforce.

4. Economic Impact: By helping veterans secure employment in high-demand fields, the program contributes to economic stability for veterans and their families. The high rate of job offers before graduation indicates the program’s effectiveness in preparing participants for the workforce.

5. Sustainable Development: VTEC supports the broader goal of sustainable development within the energy sector. By focusing on sustainable energy careers, the program contributes to environmental sustainability and innovation in energy technologies.

Overall, VTEC not only aids veterans in their personal and professional development but also plays a crucial role in bolstering the national economy and advancing environmental sustainability goals.

If you are a military member preparing to transition or a Veteran of the DoD and interested in a career in the Energy Sector, visit the VTEC homepage.

We hope this type of post is helpful for Veterans. If you would like to see more profiles on helpful programs leading to career possibilities, please let us know in the comments below. As always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below also, or email us at info@nwavet.org.