Lehigh Times

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced that $800,000 in funding through the Veterans Employment Program (VEP) will be used to benefit workforce development projects focused on helping veterans find jobs, notably in counties with high veteran unemployment rates.

The grant money is made possible through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act's Industry Partnership and Reemployment funds, the governor's office said in a release.

"Every one of Pennsylvania's veterans made significant sacrifices in their service to our nation," Wolf said. "Because of that, we owe them every opportunity we can provide to ease their transition to a civilian career. This funding will enable community organizations to assist our veterans in finding meaningful and family-sustaining jobs."

Educational Data Systems Inc. will receive $200,000, NuPaths LLC will receive $199,998, Private Industry Council of Westmoreland Fayette Inc. will receive $193,034.50, and Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board will get $192,332. The programs received 100% funding at the amounts requested, Wolf's office said.

Educational Data Systems' project is called the Veterans Career Acceleration Program, and it consists of multiweek programs for 30 veterans in Delaware County, Wolf's office said. In addition, 10 other veterans will receive career coaching.

NuPaths' program is called NuPaths for Veterans, and it will be available to veterans in Beaver, Fayette and Delaware counties, Wolf's office said. In it, 24 veterans will be trained for entry-level network technician and IT security analyst positions. There will be technical skills training, certifications and job search assistance toward an apprenticeship or full-time job.

The Private Industry Council's program in Fayette County is the PIC Veterans Employment Program, in which 36 veterans will be helped with overcoming barriers to employment, Wolf's office said.

The Lackawanna County Workforce Development Board has the A Helping Hand — Assisting Veterans in Lackawanna County program, which involves outreach, case-management and employment-acquisition assistance, Wolf's office reported. This will be a one-on-one interaction in which veterans will receive assistance in occupational skills training and other training and placement aspects.

The program is focused on helping veterans, but Department of Labor and Industry Secretary Jennifer Berrier said it also will help employers.

"Pennsylvania employers need skilled workers to help their businesses grow and thrive, and as the economy continues to bounce back from the pandemic, veterans will play a vital role in filling the gaps in our labor force," Berrier said in the release. "The Veterans Employment Program will provide employment opportunities for our most honorable citizens and offer more comprehensive services to address barriers to employment and improve their employment outcomes."

Pennsylvania is fourth in the nation with respect to veteran population, with approximately 800,000 veterans in residence, Maj. Gen Mark Schindler, the state's adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, said in the release. He emphasizes the importance of helping veterans transition to civilian life.

"Workforce development opportunities offered through the Veterans Employment Program aid veterans in finding meaningful employment," Schindler said.

The VEP will go into effect April 1 and continue until March 31, 2023, Wolf's office said.