GTPE Collaborates with Georgia Department of Economic Development
SAVANNAH - June 10, 2016 - Georgia Tech Professional Education is collaborating with the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) to offer an online entry-level course for veterans transitioning from the military to corporate life. To ensure Georgia service members are provided employment opportunities and assistance in their transition, GDEcD is funding the cost of the Veterans Education Training and Transition (VET2) 101 program for all active duty service members transitioning from Ft. Stewart and Ft. Benning (up to 7,000).
“During two decades of serving in the military, I never once had to review a job description, create a resume, or participate in an interview,” said James Wilburn, director for Military Programs at Georgia Tech Professional Education. “The VET2 101 program will provide much needed assistance to our men and women transitioning from the service. With the number of soldiers being cut dramatically at bases nationwide, we worked to create an online course that transitioning veterans will be able to access anywhere in the world giving them the skills they need to start the transition process into the corporate workforce.”
The reduction in military force announced in 2015-16 will have the largest impact to Georgia’s military installations – specifically Ft. Benning and Ft. Stewart. This short online course, “VET2 101,” will teach career soft skills, including resume building and interview skills. The course is based on Boots to Loafers, Finding Your True North by retired Lt. Col. John W. Phillips. Phillips currently collaborates with the Military Program, (VET2), offered through Georgia Tech Professional Education, and his book is required reading for students enrolled.
The new online VET2 101 course will be a prerequisite to the traditional VET2 program. VET2 is a fully-funded program and there are no costs for service members nor is there any cost to the corporate partners providing internships. The program combines professional education with job experience by partnering active, transitioning and recently separated service members with an employer to receive classroom and online instruction. After completing a week of academic training, veterans have the opportunity to demonstrate their skills in a three-week internship placement opportunity with an employer.
“We look forward to leveraging the good work of Georgia Tech Professional Education in developing a training system for our state’s military personnel as they transition into the civilian workforce,” said Ben Hames, Deputy Commissioner of Workforce, Georgia Department of Economic Development. “This online course provides us with an additional tool to support our veterans.”
GDEcD’s Operation: Workforce initiative, designed to connect transitioning service members with career opportunities in the civilian workforce, continues to partner with Georgia Tech Professional Education to support these and other workforce development opportunities for veterans. Registration is available at pe.gatech.edu/VET101.
