Preparing Service Members with a Quick Path to a New Career
Clover Park Technical College President Dr. Lonnie L. Howard was present at a signing day event on Sept. 22 for the announcement of VIE-25 at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Dr. Howard represented the partnership the college has with VIE-25 — which stands for Veterans Industry Education — a program that will give service members a quick path to a new career. Beginning six months from the time service members separate from service, they can earn career credentials from nearby colleges for in-demand jobs right away. Tuition costs for participating service members are covered by various state and federal resources.
VIE-25 is a partnership between JBLM, Washington’s community and technical college system, and the state’s public workforce systems. The number 25 refers to community and technical colleges within 25 miles of the base.
CPTC joins Pierce College, Bates Technical College, Green River College, Highline College, South Puget Sound Community College and Tacoma Community College as partners in the program. Initial training is aimed at programs that take six months or less to complete and lead to jobs with growth potential.
VIE-25 programs at CPTC include: Fundamental Skills for Manufacturing & Engineering, Machinist Helper, Refrigeration Specialist, Nursing Assistant-Certified, Hemodialysis Technician, Health Unit Coordinator, Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Trades Academy, CISCO Network Design & Security, and Computer & Communications Security.
With approval from their commanding officers, the time that service members spend training in a participating program is considered a fulfillment of their official military duty.
Interested service members are encouraged to contact colleges as soon as possible to prepare for winter quarter, which starts Jan. 4 at CPTC.
The announcement was made at the 2015 Washington State Service Member for Life Military Transition Summit.
For more information, visit cptc.edu.